Arva Parish celebrates Parish Day

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Apr 26: St Peter Claver Church of Arva at Aladangadi celebrated its parish day on April 25, Sunday. The parishioners offered a thanksgiving mass in honor of St Peter Claver. Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza was the main celebrant with Fr Arun D’Souza, the parish priest of Arva, concelebrating. 

The mass was followed by a cultural programme by members of all the eight wards of the parish. The formal stage programme was held after the cultural programme. The bishop presided over the programme. Fr. James D’Souza, the vicar vara of Belthangady deanery; Fr. Joseph D’Souza, a member of the parish who is currently a priest in Varanasi Diocese; Sr. Lisa, the superior of Holy Cross Convent of Arva; and Fr. Arun Lobo, the parish priest of Arva, were the chief guests. 

The bishop congratulated the parishioners and urged all parents to remember their responsibilities toward their children and to maintain friendly relations with them. The bishop also called upon the children to focus on obtaining government jobs in various departments. 

Prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions, which were held on the previous day. Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council Aloysius D’Souza made the welcome speech. William Lobo, the secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, presented the annual report; and Joachim Crasta expressed gratitude. 

Joachim Crasta and Jyothi Monteiro compered the programme, which culminated in a community meal prepared by the parishioners of Arva.