May 28th: The Parishioners of Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi held a farewell programme in honour of Parish Priest Fr. Ivan Dsouza and Asst. Parish Priest Fr. Patrick Lobo on Sunday, May 28th 2023.
The 8am mass was celebrated by the Parish Priest Fr. Ivan Dsouza and concelebrated by Fr. Patrick Lobo and Fr. Rayan Pinto. After the mass a formal felicitation and Farewell Ceremony was held in the Parish Hall. The programme began with a prayer song by Altar Servers and Youth followed by a short stage programme. St. Joseph Monastery Superior Fr. Charles Serrao, Fr. Ivan D’souza, Fr. Patrick Lobo, Vice President Mr. Prakash Saldanha, Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Pereira were present on the dais.
Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Pereira welcomed the gathering. Asst. Priest Fr. Patrick Lobo was honoured, following the felicitation message read by Mrs. Stella Dsouza. He was felicitated with a shawl, Garland, fruits, flower bouquet, Maan Patr & Cash. Fr. Patrick Lobo in his message thanked everyone for the love and affection he had received from the people in the parish and assured them of his prayers. Fr. Rayan Pinto shared his experience and feelings about Fr. Ivan and Fr. Patrick, having lived with them in the Parish. Farewell song was sung by the Parish Choir team that was so apt to the personalities of both the priests and their good work. Mrs. Irine Pinto read the felicitation message to Parish Priest Fr. Ivan Dsouza. He was felicitated with a shawl, Garland, fruits, flower bouquet, Maan Patr & Cash.
Mrs. Philomena Rasquinha, Mrs. Lidwin Martis, Mrs. Meena Pinto, Mrs. Sharlet Rasquinha and Mr. John Fernandes spoke on behalf of Catechism Teachers, S.V.P., Women's Association, The Legion of Mary and Gurkars respectively and expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Fr. Ivan Dsouza and Fr. Patrick Lobo for their selfless service in the Parish. Parish Priest Fr. Ivan Dsouza thanked all the parishioners for their whole hearted cooperation in all the parish activities and assured them of his prayers. St. Joseph’s Monastery Superior Fr. Charles Serrao expressed his words of thanks. He was felicitated with a Shawl, flower bouquet and Memento. Mr. Joseph Mascarenhas compered the programme. Mrs. Irine Pinto proposed the Vote of thanks. Parishioners wished both the Outgoing Priests. Refreshments were served to all the parishioners present.