Category Archives: News & Events

Teachers’ Day and Health Workers’ Day Celebration at Cordel Church: The celebration of Teachers’ Day and Health Workers’ Day was held at Cordel Church on 7th September at FradnSaib Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The program was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Denzil Lobo, Assistant Parish Priest, Mrs. Ruth Castelino, Vice President of the Parish Council, and Mr. Anil D’Sa, Secretary of the Parish Council, who were seated on the dais.

The program began by invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song led by Mrs. Pushpa Rodrigues and her team. This was followed by the formal welcome of the Resource Person of the Day, Rev. Dr. Fr. Praveen Leo Lasrado, Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education (CBE) and Professor at Jeppu Seminary.

In his message of welcome, Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes inspired the gathering by emphasizing that the role of a teacher is not just to impart knowledge, but to shape lives and guide students on the right path. On this occasion, Mrs. Shanthi Leena Pais Incharge H M of G L Pry School Devashyapaduru Bantwal Taluk and Parishioner was specially honoured for her outstanding contribution in the field of education, as she was awarded the Best Teacher Award at the District Level.

The highlight of the program was the keynote address by Rev. Dr. Fr. Praveen Leo Lasrado on the theme “O Teacher, Teach Thyself.” His powerful talk included moral stories that contrasted the qualities of an ordinary teacher with those of a dedicated one. He beautifully illustrated how teachers are like sculptors whose influence lives on in the memories of their students.

Adding further richness to the program, Mrs. Maria and Mrs. Pratibha shared their personal reflections on the topic, offering heartfelt insights.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Henry D’Souza, Education Commission Coordinator, who expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the day meaningful. The event was ably compered by Mr. Dolphy D’Souza, Coordinator of the 21 Parish Commissions.

A total of 90 participants attended the celebration. The event concluded with a group photograph taken with the resource person, marking a joyful end to the gathering. The program was indeed a success and left smiles on the faces of all present.

ICYM Amrutotsav 2025
The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Cordel Unit, celebrated its 75th anniversary with great success, offering thanks to God with a Eucharistic Sacrifice at 4:30 PM. The main celebrant was the Vicar of City Varado, Very Rev. Fr. James D’Souza, accompanied by Vicar Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, Assistant Vicar Rev. Fr. Vijay Monteiro, and Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha. Following this, at 6:00 PM, a grand “Amrutotsav Celebration” was held in the Cordel Hall. The chief guest was the appointed Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, Rev. Fr. Praveen D’Souza. Vice-President Jovita D’Souza welcomed everyone. The Director of the Cordel Unit, Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, delivered a message encouraging the youth.
Present on the dais were the Vicar of St. Peter’s City Varado, Very Rev. Fr. James D’Souza, Assistant Vicar Rev. Fr. Vijay Monteiro, Rev. Fr. Denzil Lobo, Vice-President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Ruth Castelino, Secretary Mr. Anil D’Sa, Commission Coordinator Mr. Dolphy D’Souza, ICYM Mangalore Diocese Central Committee President Vijay Cardoza, City Varado President Ryan Noronha, Representative Winston Sequeira, and Cordel Unit Vice-President Jaden D’Cunha, who together enhanced the event’s grandeur.
Secretary Reeshal Crasta presented the Amrutotsav report, and Vice-President Jaden D’Cunha expressed gratitude to all. During the event, former Presidents and Secretaries who served during the Diamond Jubilee were honored. The program, compered by Sweedal, included stage performances and cultural events by Janice, which entertained the gathered crowd. Various entertainment programs brought joy to the attendees, and arrangements for refreshments were made for all.

On Sunday , 13th July,2025  , ICYM Cordel Unit organised Taize prayer at Holy Cross Church, Kulshekar from 6.15 pm -7.30pm .The service witnessed the active participation of Rev.Fr.Clifford Fernandes, Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Vijay Monteiro,Asst. Parish Priest , Rev Fr. Denzil Lobo , Sunday ministry Brother , ICYM members and all parishioners coming together in a spirit of prayer and reflection.Rev Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza ,Director, ICYM Mangalore led the session , enlightening about significance  and origins of Taize prayer. Members of ICYM enriched the  experience by leading soul -stirring hymns that fostered peaceful atmosphere.The alter was beautifully decorated by lamps and lights that provided a space for spiritual reflection and deepening one’s  faith. All the parishioners including youths took active participation in the prayer.

Ideal Speech and Hearing Solutions, in association with the Rotary Club of Mangalore East and Holy Cross Church, Cordel, organized a Speech and Hearing Camp at the premises of Holy Cross Church, Cordel. The initiative was aimed at creating awareness about hearing and speech-related challenges, and to provide expert medical consultation and guidance to those in need.

The programme was formally inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Cordel. In his inaugural address, Fr. Clifford highlighted that God has blessed each individual with unique capacities and faculties, which enable us to live our lives to the fullest. However, at times, these faculties may not function as they should, causing difficulties in speech and hearing. He stressed that for such situations, society is blessed with the presence of medical professionals and specialists who dedicate themselves to restoring and enhancing these human capacities. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude and prayers for the entire medical fraternity—doctors, nurses, audiologists, and therapists—who tirelessly serve the community. He added that their work not only restores health but also brings dignity and joy to individuals and families. He concluded by encouraging everyone to cultivate a more humane and compassionate approach in serving one another.

The inaugural function was graced by several dignitaries. On the dais were Mr. Raghavendra Nellikatte, President of Rotary Club of Mangalore East; Audiologists Mr. Aster Miranda and Mr. Rithesh Gonsalves; Mrs. Ruth Castelino and Mr. Anil D’Sa, Vice President and Secretary of Holy Cross Church, Cordel, respectively; and Mr. Dolphy D’Souza, Co-ordinator of the 21 Commissions of the parish. Their presence reflected the collaborative spirit of the programme, bringing together medical expertise, social responsibility, and faith-based community service.

The camp saw an overwhelming response with more than 100 participants availing the opportunity to have their hearing tested. Each participant received valuable suggestions and professional advice on how to improve or manage their hearing health. The beneficiaries deeply appreciated the initiative, noting that such camps are a great help to those who otherwise may not have access to specialized medical consultation.

The event was smoothly conducted with the support of parish volunteers and the coordinating team. Mr. Henry D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the medical team, the Rotary Club, the parish leadership, and all those who made the programme possible. Mr. Dolphy D’Souza ably compered the event, ensuring a dignified flow of the proceedings.

The Speech and Hearing Camp at Cordel not only addressed medical concerns but also highlighted the importance of collaboration between faith communities, service organizations, and healthcare providers in building a more inclusive and caring society.

Mangaluru, Jul 18: ICYM Cordel unit organised Taize prayer at Holy Cross Church, Kulshekar on Sunday July 13.

The service witnessed the active participation of Fr Clifford Fernandes, parish priest, Fr Vijay Monteiro, assistant parish priest, Fr Denzil Lobo, Sunday ministry brother, ICYM members and all parishioners coming together in a spirit of prayer and reflection.

Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, director, ICYM Mangalore led the session, enlightening about significance and origins of Taize prayer. Members of ICYM enriched the experience by leading soul -stirring hymns that fostered peaceful atmosphere.

The alter was beautifully decorated by lamps and lights that provided a space for spiritual reflection and deepening one’s faith. All the parishioners including youths took active participation in the prayer.