Nativity Feast Celebration by St. Matthew Deanery Women Commission at Corpus Christi Church

News & pics by :Mrs Ivy Serrao

The Women’s Commission of St. Matthew Deanery organized a Nativity Feast get-together at Corpus Christi Church Hall, Moodbidri, on Monday, September 16, at 10:30 AM. The event aimed to foster the spirit of togetherness and family among the women of the deanery. Women cell members from various units of the deanery gathered to celebrate this joyful occasion.

The program commenced with a hymn dedicated to Mother Mary, setting a spiritual tone for the event. Following the hymn, Mrs. Sabita Rodrigues and her team conducted a quiz competition that engaged the attendees in a lively and interactive session. After the quiz, refreshments were served, creating a relaxed environment for bonding and fellowship. Anita Correa and her team from the Gantalkatte unit organized games, adding fun and energy to the gathering.

At noon, the formal stage program began with Mrs. Ida Menezes, President of the Moodbidri Deanery Women’s Commission, escorting the dignitaries to the dais. The chief guest for the event was Rev. Fr. Onil D'Souza, and he was joined by Rev. Fr. Elias D'Souza, spiritual director; Mrs. Anita D’Sa, secretary of the Women’s Commission of Mangalore Diocese; Mrs. Usha Fernandes, active member of the commission; Mrs. Wilma Crasta, Secretary of the Varado Sri Sangatan; Mrs. Celine D’Souza, 21 Commission Convenor; and Mrs. Leena Pinto, former president of Sri Sangatan.

The program began with an invocation of God's blessings by the Corpus Christi Church’s women cell members. Mrs. Ida Menezes welcomed the gathering with a heartfelt speech, and the dignitaries were honored with roses. The lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the beginning of the celebration, followed. Women cell presidents from various units offered flowers to the idol of Mother Mary as a tribute.

Teacher Mabel D’Costa and Teacher Ida Pereira were felicitated for their exceptional contribution to education, having received the Best Teacher Award. The winners of the quiz competition were also awarded prizes. Adding to the celebratory spirit, Mrs. Neetha from Belvai Parish recited a poem she had written to mark the occasion.

The dignitaries, including Rev. Fr. Onil D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Elias D’Souza, and Mrs. Anita D’Sa, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of unity and family spirit. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Wilma Crasta. The gathering enjoyed a traditional vegetarian meal served on plantain leaves, a hallmark of the Nativity feast, prepared by the Moodbidri Sri Sangatan units.