3rd world day for Grandparents and Elders celebrated at Santo Estevao
Diocesan Family Service Centre celebrated 03rd World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on Sunday, 23rd July 2023 at St. Stephen Church, Santo Estevao His Eminence Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao presided over the Holy Eucharist. Fr. John Deniz, the Parish Priest, Fr. Minguel Pereira and Fr. Albano Fernandes, the Director of DFSC were the Con-celebrants. Deacon Cilve assisted the Archbishop in the Holy Eucharist. The Parishioners felt greatly honoured and blessed with the presence of the Archbishop in their midst and the PPC Moderator, Mrs. Anicia Fernandes expressed her gratitude on behalf of the parishioners. In his homily, the Archbishop drew meaningful reflections to the faithful of the theme Pope Francis had chosen for this celebration, which was ‘His mercy is from age to age’ (Lk. 1:50). He highlighted the importance of Grandparents and Elders in our families and society by stressing the fact that they are God’s gift to the families who has given us the legacy of faith, culture and life. He appealed the younger generation to be sensitive towards the Grandparents and Elders and to take care of them with love and concern. After the Eucharist, the archbishop presented plagues for four families who were living together under one roof for three generations. This was followed by a meaningful programme prepared by the catechism children, the Catechists, Parish Family Service Cell members and the PPC. This programme was shown on the Screen using LCD Projector. On behalf on all the grandchildren, one of the girl grandchild expressed her heartfelt sentiments about the importance and need of grandparents in their lives, which touched the heart of every grandparents present in the Church. Fr. Albano in his address used the Acronym GRAND and said that Grandparents and Elders are G – Guardians of Values; R – Reservoirs of Culture; A – Angels of Support; N – Nurturers of Relationships and D – Defenders of Faith. In his brief speech, Archbishop thanked the Grandparents and Elderly for their contribution to the growth of the Church and Society and encouraged them to continue to do so. The Parish Priest, Fr. John Diniz expressed his joy for having held this celebration in his Parish and thanked all the parishioners for their whole-hearted support and collaboration. This beautiful celebration ended by giving a token and a prayer card to all the grandparents. Goan delicacies like pude, mannos, sheera, chav was given to sweeten their mouth as they left the Church.