Liturgy and Lectors Training Programme

 Liturgy and Lectors Training Programme held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Manjeshwar

Manjeshwar, June 1, 2025

A special programme on Liturgy and Lectors training programme was conducted on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Manjeshwar. The resource person for the programme was Rev. Dr. Praveen Leo Lasrado, Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education, Diocese of Mangalore. The day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 8:00 AM, presided over by Rev. Dr. Praveen Leo Lasrado. Our parish priest, Rev. Fr. Edwin Francis Pinto, concelebrated the Mass.

During the homily, which lasted about 35 minutes, Fr. Praveen gave an insightful and enriching talk on the meaning and scope of liturgy. He explained that liturgy is vast and that the Mass is only one part of it. Since the Eucharist holds a central place, we often refer to it as "the liturgy," but in fact, all sacraments are part of the liturgy. He spoke about the need for prayer and worship, and why our participation in the Mass is important. He invited the faithful to reflect on their personal disposition while attending Mass and encouraged attentiveness and active participation.

Fr. Praveen gave special emphasis to the ministry of the Word, explaining how reading during Mass is a sacred act of proclaiming God’s Word. He clarified that it is not about self-display or showcasing one's abilities, but about serving others through meaningful and reverent proclamation. He also highlighted important aspects such as preparation, interest, faith, proper dress code, and the responsibility that comes with being a reader. His message was both thought-provoking and spiritually enriching, and it was well received by the entire congregation.

Following the Mass, light tea and snacks were served. A special instructional session was then conducted in the Church attended by 76 participants, with 10 representatives invited from each ward. During this session, Fr. Praveen Leo offered detailed guidance on various aspects of liturgical participation, including the entrance procession and the role of proclaimers of the Word. He presented a PowerPoint covering 12 important points to be remembered by readers. These included proper posture, reverence, voice modulation, clarity, and the spiritual attitude one must carry while reading.

To reinforce the instruction, Fr. Praveen gave a practical demonstration on how to approach the lectern, bow, adjust the microphone, and read with appropriate pauses and expression. He invited three participants to read aloud from the lectern and offered live corrections and suggestions for improvement. A short question-and-answer session followed, during which participants were able to clarify their doubts.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Parish Pastoral Parishad Secretary Mrs Christine Dsouza. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Dr. Praveen Leo Lasrado for his valuable guidance, to our parish priest Fr. Edwin Francis Pinto for organizing and supporting the entire programme, and to all the participants for their enthusiastic presence.

Both the homily during the Mass and the instructional session afterward were deeply appreciated and found to be highly informative and spiritually uplifting. The programme was a meaningful initiative that has certainly enriched the liturgical understanding and participation of our parishioners.

Jayashree Monteiro

Secretary, Liturgical Commission

Our Lady of Mercy Church, Manjeshwar

Women’s Day Celebration & Breast Cancer Awareness Camp

 Women’s Day Celebration & Breast Cancer Awareness Camp Held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Manjeshwar

Manjeshwar, March 16, 2025 – In celebration of Women’s Day, the Women’s Association of Our Lady of Mercy Church organized an insightful and impactful program dedicated to women’s health and empowerment. The event, held on March 16, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, featured a Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Camp, aimed at educating women on the importance of early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

The program was a collaborative effort between the Women’s Organization Manjeshwar Unit, the Women Development Commission, and Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore. The day began with a Eucharistic Celebration at 8:00 AM, presided over by Fr. Edwin Francis Pinto, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mercy Church. The liturgy was led by members of the women’s organizations.

Following the Mass, the event officially commenced at 9:30 AM in the church mini hall, starting with a prayer song.

 

The awareness session was conducted by Dr. Jnaneshwari Jayaram, Associate Professor in the Surgical Oncology Department at Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital and a specialist in Breast and Endocrine Surgery. She provided an informative PowerPoint presentation, explaining the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and self-examination techniques. Dr. Jnaneshwari also guided the participants on when to seek medical advice, the role of mammograms, and various treatment options, emphasizing that every patient’s journey is unique.

A highlight of the event was the interactive question-and-answer session, where participants had the opportunity to clear common myths and misconceptions regarding breast cancer. Dr. Jnaneshwari patiently addressed each query, ensuring the women left the session well-informed and confident about their health.

Following the awareness session, a free physical screening was conducted for all attendees, making the initiative even more beneficial. More than 80 women actively participated, appreciating the opportunity to prioritize their well-being.

The program was well-coordinated, with Wilma Dsouza serving as the Master of Ceremony. Mrs. Reena Monteiro, President, and Mrs. Nathaliyan Monteiro, Secretary of the Women’s Organization Manjeshwar Unit and Women Development Commission, were also present, adding value to the occasion.

Parish Priest Fr. Edwin Francis Pinto extended his support and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in fostering women’s health and empowerment.

The parish community expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jnaneshwari Jayaram and Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital for their invaluable contribution to promoting women’s health through this meaningful outreach program.

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Konkani Drama ‘Hang On’

 Konkani Drama ‘Hang On’ Delivers a Powerful Message on Suicide Prevention

On Saturday, 15th March 2025, at 7 PM, Our Lady of Mercy Church, Manjeshwar, hosted a powerful Konkani drama, ‘Hang On’, in the church premises.

This thought-provoking play carried an essential message on suicide prevention, an urgent issue in today’s society.

The drama was performed by ‘Ranga Adhyayana Kendra’ of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, a well-known arts association within the institution.

The evening began with the Angelus, led by Fr. Edwin Francis Pinto, the parish priest. Following this, he offered special prayers for all the generous donors who contributed towards making this event possible. In his address, he expressed deep gratitude for their unwavering support, which enabled the parish to organize a meaningful and socially relevant production.

The drama was attended by around 500 people, including parishioners and well-wishers. The performance captivated the audience with its emotional depth, realistic portrayal, and impactful dialogues.

The actors skillfully depicted the struggles faced by individuals battling mental distress, emphasizing the importance of faith, hope, and support systems in overcoming life’s challenges.

At the end of the play, the audience responded with heartfelt applause, appreciating the relevance and depth of the message.

Many shared that the drama left a profound impact, reminding them of the importance of being compassionate, attentive, and supportive toward those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

The event successfully conveyed the message that every life is precious and worth fighting for.

The parish extends its sincere thanks to Rang Adhyayana Kendra for their outstanding performance and to all the donors and supporters who made this event a reality. May God bless each one abundantly for their kindness and generosity.

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Annual Lenten Retreat

 Annual Lenten Retreat at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Manjeshwar

The Annual Lenten Retreat at Our Lady of Mercy Church,  Manjeshwar, was held from March 9 to March 12, 2025, spanning four days of spiritual renewal and reflection. The retreat was led by Rev. Dr Rajesh Melwyn Rosario, Professor of Systematic Theology at St. Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, Mangalore.

The retreat began on March 9 and ended  with a special morning Sunday Mass, while on the following days, the sessions were conducted from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Each day focused on a specific spiritual theme, providing deep insights and practical guidance for Christian living:

Day 1: -Forgiveness –a Christian identity

-The destiny of my life lies in God

Day 2: -Hope – A strong pillar for life & -Christ-centered life

Day 3: Family – A great gift of God &

-Prayer – A foundation for life

Day 4: Eucharist – A sacrament of love and life.

- The Role of the Laity in the Church,

- Hardships – How to face challenges

Each day, the retreat began with the Way of the Cross, setting a reflective tone for the talks. After the two spiritual discourses, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, where the faithful lifted their prayers for various intentions.

The retreat was enriched with praise, worship, and thanksgiving, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Many attendees experienced spiritual renewal and transformation, finding strength and direction at the beginning of Lent.

The parish community expresses heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Dr. Rajesh Melwyn Rosario for his enlightening guidance and to Parish Priest, Fr. Edwin Francis Pinto, for organizing such a spiritually uplifting retreat.

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Catechism Day Celebration

Catechism Day Celebrated with Fervor at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Manjeshwar

Manjeshwar, 23rd February 2025 – The parish community of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Manjeshwar, came together to celebrate Catechism Day with great devotion and enthusiasm. The event commenced with the Holy Eucharist at 10:30 AM, officiated by Rev. Fr. Ivan Pinto, Capuchin Priest from Mangalore, along with Fr. Edwin Francis Pinto, the Parish Priest of Manjeshwar Church.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Catechism Day program was held at the church mini hall at 11:45 AM. Rev. Fr. Edwin Pinto presided over the event and delivered the presidential address, emphasizing the importance of catechism in nurturing faith and values among the children.

Rev. Fr. Ivan Pinto, the Chief Guest of the occasion, addressed the gathering, appreciating the efforts of the catechism teachers and students in fostering religious education. Other distinguished guests included Vijith Dsouza, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Christine Dsouza, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Reena Monteiro, All Ayog Head of Manjeshwar Parish, Br. Rickson Moras, Sr. Angela Swamy, Superior of Pallotti Convent, Sr. Zita, Superior of Dominican Convent, and Mrs. Clara Monteiro, Coordinator of Catechism Classes.

A special moment of the event was the honor bestowed upon Br. Rickson Moras for his dedicated ministry service in the parish over the past year.

Catechism teachers were also recognized and appreciated for their tireless efforts in imparting faith education to the students.

The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances, including a dance performance by students from UKG to 6th class and a skit presented by students of classes 7 to 10. The much-anticipated prize distribution ceremony rewarded students for their regular attendance in catechism classes and for achieving the highest scores in the Annual Catechism Exam.

Mrs. Jayashree Monteiro effectively hosted the program as the Master of Ceremony. The event commenced with a warm welcome by Mrs. Clara Monteiro and concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Jacintha Dsouza.

The joyous celebration concluded at 1:00 PM, followed by a community lunch, strengthening the bonds of fellowship within the parish.

Reporter: Mrs. Christine Dsouza, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council.

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