Decennial celebration of Fatima Maha Sangha, Pernal Unit

Report : Anil Danthy.

August 23,2026

Contributions of women to society are immeasurable said Rev Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Parish Priest and director of Fatima Maha Sangha, Pernal Unit. He was addressing the consortium of women’s self help group of the Parish on the decennial celebration in the Parish hall as the president of the program. May it be at home, parish, profession and even in a small need women pour themselves in service of others he narrated. He heavily appreciated the role the Parish women play in bringing charm and meaning in its activities.

Fr Reginald Pinto, Director, Sampada, diocese of Udupi was the main celebrant and was the chief guest for the program. He called upon women to look beyond the borders and join the mainstream of the society by involving in politics and various other initiatives. He called upon women to get empowered through acquiring knowledge and current affairs.

A thanksgiving high Mass was offered in thanking the Lord for all the graces received during the past ten years.
Fr Reginald Pinto and fr Preetham Mendonca OFM (Cap)joined the concelebration along with Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, our Parish Priest.

Fr Jerome Monteiro, the former Parish Priest graced the occasion and opined that Power always meant to be at the service of others. Quoting from the life of Jesus Christ and His nobility expressed in washing of the feet, he called upon women to be the followers of Christ’s footsteps.

Mr Stanley Fernandes, Coordinator of Sampada spoke aptly on the occasion and congratulated women on their outstanding achievements and requested to have an inclusive approach by facilitating the self help group of men too.

Sr Jessy Joseph SSpS, Superior, Kripalaya Convent, Mrs Sunitha Noronha, President, Inchara women’s Consortium, Kapu taluk, Mrs Jacintha Dsouza, Animator, Shirva Deanery,Mrs Leena Dsouza, Vice President PPC, Mrs Cynthia Pinto, Secretary, PPC and Mrs Jyothi Aranha, Coordinator for ecclesiastical associations, Mrs Hilda Castelino, President, Women’s Association, Parish Unit, Presidents, office bearers and members from self help groups from the Parish, invitees and guests were present.

Mr Henry Castelino and Ms Flavia Jacintha Danthy were felicitated for their unique contribution and achievements in life.

Mrs Hilda Castelino, President of Parish Womens Association welcomed the guests and
Mrs Cynthia Dsouza,Treasurer of the Parish women association proposed vote of thanks. Mrs Irene Cardoza and Mrs Roselyn Tauro compered the program.

In the beginning the preamble of the Indian constitutions were read followed by traditional inauguration of the program by the guests.

All the gathered participated in the fellowship meal at the end.

Photographs: Joswin Aranha.