Festivities Galore as Derebail Parishioners Celebrate their Annual Parish Feast

Festivities Galore as Derebail Parishioners Celebrate their Annual Parish Feast

The Annual Feast of Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail was celebrated on the 7^th of November, 2021. The Eucharistic Celebration commenced at 9 AM. The main celebrant Rev.Fr. Santosh Rodrigues, the Director of Pastoral Institute, Bajjodi along with Rev. Fr. Austin Peter Peres, Parish Priest of Derebail Church; Rev.Fr. Gerald Pinto; Rev.Fr.Walter Pinto, Rev.Fr. Sunil Lobo, Dominican Priest; Rev.Fr. Nelson Pais, Assistant Director of Fr. Mullers Medical College and Rev.Fr.Freddy, Capuchin Priest concelebrated the Festal Mass.

In his homily, Fr. Santosh Rodrigues dwelt on the life of St.Charles Borromeo, who in the 16^th century played a significant role in keeping the foundations of the Catholic Church intact. Since November 7^th is also celebrated as Catechism Teachers’ Day, Fr. Santosh highlighted the importance of Catechism and Catechism Teachers in the building of a strong Church. Fr. Santosh elaborated on the theme of the day, “Ekvot and Metherpon” i.e. how we as Catholics With United Participation can take forward the Mission of the Saviour.

After the Eucharistic Celebration, the Parish Priest, Rev.Fr. Austin Peter Peres expressed his gratitude to all the priests who had graced the occasion and concelebrated the mass. He thanked all the parishioners and members of various associations of the parish for their active participation in all the activities of the parish throughout the year. He extended festal greetings to the entire parish community.

It was indeed an honourable gesture when the efforts of Mr Valerian D’souza (82 years) were recognized and appreciated. Rev. Fr. Austin along with Fr. Santhosh Rodrigues and Fr. Gerald Pinto felicitated Mr Valerian for his selfless service and for the hard work that he puts in maintaining the parish garden. The applause of the parishioners during this felicitation indeed cheered Mr Valerian D’souza.

The Lucky Draw of the “Selfie with Family” Contest was then conducted by the Website Team. Mr Ronald Rodrigues (Kavoor Ward), Ms Jenisha Cornelio (Konchady II) and Mrs Laveena Fernandes (Khadjahithlu Ward) emerged as winners. The prizes were then distributed.

Rev. Fr. Austin Peter Peres distributed the “Candle of Honour” to all the parishioners who had contributed towards the expenses of the feast and given Muddhoms.

The melodious hymns sung by the Youth Choir added to the festivity.

Report by: Lynsha Lobo
Pictures: Simon Pereira