Mangalore Sept 21: unique programme and the first of its kind was held for the single parents of the diocese of Mangalore at St Anthony’s Ashram at Jeppu on September 18, 2022.
Nearly 98 widows and widowers attended the programme. Mr Alban Rodrigues the retired principal and presently the administrator of Kapu Danda Thirtha Educational Institutions gave the instructions to the participants. He explained the present flight of the widows and widowers. He said that the present single parents are facing lots of pressures from outside and from within. He advised them that they need to be filled with courage and confidence.

The programme was organized by the Family Life Commission, Social Development Commission and Lay Faithful Commission of the diocese of Mangalore. Rev Fr Anil D Souza the secretary of the Family Life Commission gave an introductory speech and explained the purpose of the get-together. He said that the meet of the single parents was purely to know their common fears and anxieties and encourage each other. He also conducted a half-hour Holy Adoration and a short healing session for the participants. Rev Fr Vincent D’Souza the director of CODP and the secretary and the secretary to the Diocesan Social Development Commission offered the Eucharist and during his homily, he said that the Christian life teaches us to live a life of confidence and hope. He also said that though at a time we may feel that we are alone in our flight we must remember that the Lord is also with us to walk hand in hand.
The students of the Ashram sang the prayer song to enlighten the participants that God is our Father as well as our mother. Rev Fr Vincent D Souza proclaimed the Word of God and led the congregation into prayer. Rev Fr Anil D Souza, proposed a vote of thanks and also gave a memento to all the participants. Earlier Rev Father J.B.Crasta welcomed the gathering in his welcome speech he said that the programme is organized in view of celebrating the post-centenary silver jubilee (1898-2023) of St Anthony’s Charity Institutes of Jeppu. He continued by saying that is to reach the people who are in difficulties and unable to share their fears and anxiety. Rev Fr Larry Pinto the assistant director looked after the logistics of the get-together.