NEWS

New Year Celebration: Adoration, Oath-Taking Ceremony and ICYM Programme 

Hospet: December  31, 2025: The New Year Celebration for the year 2025–2026 was solemnly observed on 31st December 2025 at the parish with deep spiritual fervour and joyful participation of parishioners. The celebration comprised Eucharistic Adoration, the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Parish Pastoral Council, and cultural activities organized by the ICYM Unit at the conclusion of the Holy Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration

The programme began with a reverent Eucharistic Adoration, during which the faithful gathered in prayer to thank the Lord for the countless graces and blessings received throughout the year. The Adoration served as a moment of reflection, gratitude, and surrender as the parish prepared to welcome the New Year with renewed faith and hope.

Oath-Taking Ceremony

During the Evening Mass on 31st December 2025, the Oath-Taking Ceremony for the newly elected Parish Pastoral Council Members for the new term was conducted in the presence of the parish community. The ceremony was held in a dignified manner, reflecting the responsibility and commitment entrusted to the council members.

The oath was administered sequentially, beginning with the President, followed by the Secretary, all Pastoral Council Members, and finally the Finance Committee Members. Before each oath, the roles and responsibilities of the respective offices were clearly explained to help the members understand their duties and serve the parish effectively.

On this solemn occasion, Mr. Vivian Colaco, Vice President, Mr. Pascal Nazareth, Secretary, and Mr. Winston Sequeira, Convener of the 21 Commissions, also took their oath, pledging their dedicated service to the parish. The parish community extended heartfelt congratulations and prayers to all the newly elected office bearers.

Thanksgiving to the Previous Parish Pastoral Council

Rev. Fr. Gregory D’Souza, the Parish Priest, expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the previous Parish Pastoral Council for their tireless efforts and dedicated service. Special mention was made of Mr. Manohar Cutinha, Vice President, and Mr. Vincent Santhmayor, Secretary, along with all other office bearers, for their commitment and contributions to the growth of the parish.

As a mark of appreciation, all previous Parish Pastoral Council office bearers were felicitated. A special felicitation with shawl was accorded to Mr. Manohar Cutinha, Vice President, Mr. Vincent Santhmayor, Secretary, and Mrs. Lavina Pinto, Convener of the 21 Commissions, in recognition of their three-year tenure of dedicated service.

Felicitation of Ward Gurkars

In recognition of long-standing service at the ward level, three Ward Gurkars were honoured for their 10 years of dedicated service as Ward Presidents.

• Mrs. Veronica D’Souza – Cocessmai Ward

• Mr. Joachim Cutinha – Nithyadhar Ward

• Mrs. Ida Fernandes – St. Lawrence Ward

They were felicitated with a shawl and a statue as a token of gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering commitment to parish activities.

ICYM Programme and Cultural Activities

Following the solemn proceedings, the ICYM Unit organized a short and lively programme that added joy to the celebration. Cultural performances included dance presentations by the Marian Sodality and the Altar Boys, which were well appreciated by the gathered parishioners.

A Kuswar Bazaar Bumper Draw was also conducted, adding excitement to the event. A special gift was presented to Mr. Edward D’Souza in appreciation of his generous sponsorship of the Auction Dukor – “Festhaso Dukor”. The amount collected through the American Auction was dedicated towards the parish’s new project of building a new Post Office and Bus Stand, commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the ICYM Unit.

The New Year Celebration concluded on a joyful and meaningful note, blending prayer, responsibility, gratitude, and festivity. The entire programme reflected the spirit of unity, service, and thanksgiving as the parish stepped into the New Year seeking God’s continued blessings.