A Special Day of Faith and Gratitude for Grandparents

St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, celebrated Grandparents’ Day with great joy and gratitude on Sunday, 26 July 2026. The celebration, jointly organised by the Catholic Sabha and the Family Commission, began with the 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, offered specially for all grandparents and elderly members of the parish. The Holy Mass was celebrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza, during which a special prayer of blessing was offered, invoking God’s abundant grace, good health, and peace upon all the elders.
Following the Holy Mass, a Sahamilan was held at Xavier Hall, beginning with a fellowship breakfast. The programme commenced with a prayer song, followed by a warm welcome by Mr. Stevan Lewis, President of the Catholic Sabha.
On behalf of all the senior citizens, Mr. R. P. Monis addressed the gathering and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parish for honouring and remembering the elderly. Fun-filled games, organised by Mr. Royce Fernandes, brought smiles and joyful participation from the grandparents.
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza thanked the elders for their unwavering faith, prayers, sacrifices, and their invaluable contribution in building strong Christian families and the parish community. As a token of love and appreciation, gifts were presented to all the grandparents and elderly participants.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Austin Cardoza, who acknowledged the efforts of the Catholic Sabha, the Family Commission, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to the successful celebration.
The programme was graced by the presence of Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Santhosh D’Almeida, SAC, Dn. Kevin D’Souza, Parish Pastoral Council Vice President Mr. Melvin Noronha, PPC Secretary Mr. Wilfred D’Souza, Parish Pastoral Commissions Coordinator Mrs. Irene Pereira, Mrs. Theresa D’Silva, representing the women elders, Family Commission Coordinator Mr. Wilfred Crasta, Sr. Leena D’Souza, Pallottine Sister, and Sr. Francisca of the Charity Sisters, who were present on the dais.
The celebration served as a beautiful expression of the parish’s love, respect, and gratitude towards its senior members, reminding everyone that grandparents are a precious blessing whose faith, wisdom, and legacy continue to enrich the life of the Church and society.