Our Lady of Candelaria Chapel celebrated Catechetical Day on Sunday, 15th February 2026, bringing together catechism students, parents, catechists, and parishioners for an evening of faith, reflection, and cultural expression.
The programme commenced with a prayer dance to the tune of a devotional hymn, ,Mere Masiha thus, creating a serene and a prayerful ambience. This was followed by an action song, Treasure Quest by the catechism children that added vibrancy and joy to the occasion. The Chaplain, Fr. Walter de Sa, extended a warm welcome to the gathering and commended the catechists for their dedicated services all along the year 2025-26. The congregation was spiritually uplifted by a melodious group rendition of In Christ Alone.
Earlier, in the morning, the catechists conducted a thanksgiving Mass which was celebrated by Fr. Walter de Sa. He exhorted to the parents to be teachers of faith to their children, specially by their Christian way of living, and to instill in them a salutary hope.
A humorous news presentation, Vorsavollicheo Khobreo , by Philip Dias and Tracy Sequeira, creatively portraying parish life brought moments of laughter, after which the Annual Report of the Catechetical Association was read out by Jovilyn Dalgado, highlighting the year’s activities and achievements.
The Chief Guest, Mrs Sandhya Fernandes, from Aldona Parish, a distinguished educator and committed church leader, addressed the gathering. She encapsulated her message for parents and children in an acronym, CLAP meaning thereby, Communication, Listening, Appreciation and Prayer in the family. She emphasized the importance of unwavering trust in God and urged parents to remain steadfast in praying for, and guiding, their children.
The function was also graced by Dr Sidney Pinto do Rosario, a respected gynaecologist and obstetrician who has rendered dedicated medical services to the community over five decades.
The prize distribution ceremony consisted of felicitation and appreciation of the catechism students for their regular participation and efforts. Then, creative reels featuring short video clips capturing moments from the daily lives of the children and catechetical activities were on display.
The highlight of the celebration was the skit titled Jezu Amcho Bhorvanso, written and directed by Philip Dias . It conveyed a profound spiritual message and received much applause from the audience.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the Coordinator, Cajetan Vaz, who expressed sincere gratitude to the Chaplain, the dignitaries, catechists, parents, and students for their valuable contributions to the success of the Catechetical Day. It proved to be an spiritually enriching and community-building event, thus reaffirming the parish’s commitment to nurturing faith and values among its members.
Abigail Lopes
