On the occasion of Diocesan Vocation Promotion Sunday, an exhibition match was played between the Rachol Seminarians and the youth of Betalbatim Parish, on 15th September 2024, on the Betalbatim football ground at 4:30 p.m. The Chief Guest of the day was, Most. Rev. Simiâo Purificaçâo Fernandes, the Auxiliary Bishop of Goa, and the guest of honour, Rev. Dr. Donato Rodrigues, the Rector of Rachol Seminary.
The programme began by escorting the Chief Guest of the day, Most. Rev. Simiâo Purificaçâo Fernandes, the Auxiliary Bishop of Goa, with a welcome dance by the children. This was followed by a welcoming address by the parish priest of Our Lady of Remedies Church, Betalbatim, Rev. Fr. Adrian Furtado. Thereafter around 200 catechism children danced to the tune of Vocation song sung by PPC ward members. A scintillating dance performed by the Parish Youth of Betalbatim on the FIFA theme song sung by Cielda Pereira, entertained the audience. The Chief Guest, guest of honour, and all the priests gathered at the venue wished the players good luck. The first half ended with the score 0-0 with both the teams playing a good defensive game.
After the half time, the Chief guest of the day, Most. Rev. Simiâo Purificaçâo Fernandes, addressed the crowd and said that sports in general and football in particular can teach us various values for life. He also said that vocations can be sprouted through sports. Later the guest of honour, Rev Dr. Donato Rodrigues thanked the Betalbatim parish priest and the whole parish community for beautifully organising the day’s event. He hoped and prayed that this programme may foster and draw many youngsters from the parish to embrace priestly and religious life.
In the second half, the Betalbatim youth played with more intent and aggression. However, the Rachol seminarians defended well. As the game concluded with a goalless draw, the winner had to be decided by a penalty shoot-out. The Betalbatim youth defeated the Rachol Seminarians on penalties with a scoreline reading 5-4.
In the presentation ceremony, the first Goal Scorer of the match was awarded to Mr. Didymus Antao, the Best Goalkeeper of the Match- Joren Braganza, and the Man of the Match- seminarian Nion Colaco. Blanch Cota and Seminarian Leo Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. The Day ended with a blessing by Most. Rev. Simiâo Purificaçâo Fernandes, the Auxiliary Bishop of Goa.
Sem. Valente Da Costa
