Annual Feast Celebrated at St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai
Mangaluru: St Francis Xavier Church in Bejai commemorated its annual feast on Saturday, honoring its patron, St Francis Xavier, in a celebration that underscored the spirit of community and gratitude for the abundant blessings bestowed upon the parish.
The festivities commenced at 5:00 p.m. with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the donors, well-wishers, and community leaders whose generosity has significantly contributed to the advancement of parish initiatives. This moment of recognition set a tone of appreciation that resonated throughout the evening.
The highlight of the celebration was the Holy Eucharist, which was marked by joy and reverence. The congregation expressed their thanks to God for the blessings received in the past year, particularly through the intercession of St Francis Xavier. The main celebrant for the occasion was Rev. Fr Suraj Lobo, the Vice Principal of St Monica School in Kumbla. Fr Lobo delivered a poignant homily centered on the theme “Lord, teach us to pray,” emphasizing the importance of prayer in the lives of Christians. He was joined by twenty-eight priests in concelebration, alongside a gathering of approximately one thousand parishioners.
In his closing remarks, Parish Priest Rev. Dr John Baptist Saldanha extended his gratitude to Fr Lobo, the concelebrants, religious sisters, and the parish community at large. He particularly recognized the generous donors for their unwavering support of the parish’s various projects.
The event saw active participation from several key figures, including Mr. Ashok Pinto, the Vice President; Mrs. Avitha Pinto, the Secretary; and Mr. Godwin Pinto, the Convener of 21 Commissions. Members of the Parish Pastoral Parishad, Ward Gurkars, and various commissions and associations also played vital roles in the proceedings, ensuring the day was a resounding success.
This annual feast not only served as a celebration of faith but also reinforced the bonds of community spirit that define St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai.
Photos by: Clanute Cj
