Annual Feast celebrated at Bajjodi
The 7th Annual Feast of Infant Mary Parish, Bajjodi was celebrated with great pomp and fervor on Sunday the 30th of January 2022. The celebration began with the Felicitation to the sponsors in the church grounds after which a procession was held to the church at 9.40am. The benefactors and sponsors of the feast were honoured with blessed candles by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ivan D’Souza at 9.45 am. This was followed by the Solemn Eucharistic celebration at 10am., wherein Rev. Fr. Shabas Crasta (Former Parish Priest), was the main celebrant. Fourteen priests concelebrated at the Eucharist. Fr. Rovel Dsouza preached an inspiring homily on the theme Synod. The Holy Mass was followed by a Fancy Fete organized by the PPC & ICYM members from 11.30 am to 2pm. There was a positive response from people at the fete -relishing the delicacies at the food counters and enthusiastically participating at the games counters.

A formal stage program was organized in the evening at 6:00 pm in the church hall. All the invited guests and Parish community were present in large numbers to witness this memorable event. The program commenced with the Prayer song, sung by the altar servers and a welcome dance by the small children. The Chief Guest for the program was Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao, Superior, St. Joseph’s Monastery, Carmel Hill and the Guest of Honor was Rev. Fr. Shabas Crasta, Previous Parish Priest of Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi. The Program was presided over by Fr. Ivan D Souza, Parish Priest. Fr. Patrick Lobo, Fr Rayan Pinto, Mr Prakash Saldanha, Vice President, Parish Council and Mrs. Irene Pinto, Secretary, Parish Council were the others present on the dais.

Mr Prakash Saldanha, Vice President, Parish Council accorded formal welcome to all the dignitaries present on and off the dais. Mrs. Irene Pinto, Secretary, Parish Council presented a brief report of the activities of the parish for the past one year. It was followed by the prize distribution of various events held during the year. A lucky draw of the food and games coupons was done by Fr. Rayan Pinto and the winner was announced. Ms. Venezia Annie Carlo was felicitated for her National and International achievements in the field of “Power Lifting” and also for receiving “Rajyothsava Award”. Mr Christopher D’Souza of “Astitva” team was honoured with a memento as a token of gratitude.

Fr Patrick Lobo in his message thanked Almighty and Mother Mary for all the blessings and sought cooperation of everyone to build a united parish community. Fr. Charles Serrao in his message applauded the parishioners and parish priests for the overall development the church has achieved in the past years. Fr Shabas Crasta mentioned his happiness at being part of this parish and cherished the old memories. In his presidential address, Fr. Ivan D'souza congratulated the parishioners for their whole hearted support and cooperation in making this feast a successful one. Fr Rayan Pinto proposed the vote of thanks. The program was compered by Mrs Jenifer Fernandes.

The formal program was followed by two short plays by the “Astitva’ team which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The parish day celebration was the wonderful experience that brought everyone together as one family and program was appreciated by one and all.