St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle Celebrates Feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim with Elders’ Day

St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle, celebrated the Feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus Christ, by honouring the senior members of the parish with a meaningful Elders’ Day celebration on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The day featured a solemn Eucharistic celebration followed by a felicitation programme and fellowship gathering in the parish hall. The event was jointly organised by the Catholic Sabha, Family Commission, and Senior Citizens’ Association of the parish.

The festive Eucharistic celebration was led by Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza, Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, and Director of the Family Commission of the Udupi Deanery, who was the principal celebrant. He was joined at the altar by Rev. Fr. George D’Souza, Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church; Rev. Fr. Stephen Rodrigues, Assistant Parish Priest; Rev. Fr. Vikas, Guest Priest; and Deacon Shawn Andrade.

Preaching the homily, Rev. Fr. Stephen Rodrigues reflected on the Gospel message, comparing the elderly members of the parish to the priceless treasure discovered by a farmer in a field. He described them as the pillars of their families and faithful custodians of Christian values who have handed down the faith through generations. He remarked that the wrinkles on their faces and hands are symbols of their sacrifices, dedication and unwavering commitment to nurturing their families and preserving their faith.
The liturgy was reverently animated by the senior members of the parish, making the celebration particularly meaningful.

Following the Holy Mass, the senior citizens assembled in the parish hall for a special programme that celebrated their invaluable contribution to the Church and society.
The gathering was presided over by Rev. Fr. George D’Souza. The dignitaries on the dais included Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza as the chief guest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Rodrigues, Deacon Shawn Andrade, Pritish Burton D’Sa, Vice-President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Monica D’Souza, Convener of the Twenty Commissions, Charles Quadros, President of the Family Commission, John D’Souza, President of the Catholic Sabha, Joel D’Sa-Vice President of Catholic Sabha, Mrs. Ancill D’Souza, Immediate Past President, Peter Mendonca, President-Elect, and Mrs. Justin Mendonca, Past Treasurer.

Welcoming the gathering, Charles Quadros explained the significance of observing Elders’ Day alongside the feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim. He remembered the parish elders who had passed away in recent years and prayed for the eternal repose of their souls. He also acknowledged the generous donors and sponsors whose support made the celebration possible. As a token of gratitude, they were honoured with floral tributes.
Addressing the gathering, Pritish Burton D’Sa highlighted the immense spiritual value of an elder’s blessing. Drawing examples from the Old Testament, he recalled how God’s covenant with Abraham made him the "Father of Nations" and how Isaac’s blessing upon Jacob became the foundation for the prosperity of future generations. He urged families to cherish and seek the blessings of their elders.

In his keynote message, Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza observed that Elders’ Day provides senior citizens with an opportunity not only to participate in the Eucharist but also to reconnect with relatives, friends and longtime acquaintances. He encouraged the elderly to embrace this stage of life with gratitude and satisfaction, recognising the significant legacy they have left for their families, the Church and society. He praised them for preserving and transmitting the Christian faith despite life’s many challenges and encouraged them to maintain good health, inner peace and complete trust in God.

Delivering the presidential address, Rev. Fr. George D’Souza congratulated the organisers and thanked the senior citizens for their enthusiastic participation. He prayed that God would continue to bless them with good health, joy and abundant grace in the years ahead.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by John D’Souza, while Leevan Fernandes compered the proceedings. Before the fellowship meal, Rev. Fr. Stephen Rodrigues led the grace, after which the gathering enjoyed a warm and joyful community lunch.

The Significance of the Feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim
The Feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim, celebrated annually on July 26, honours the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus Christ. Though little is recorded about them in the canonical Gospels, Christian tradition reveres them as faithful and devout parents who nurtured Mary in holiness and prepared her for her unique role in God’s plan of salvation.

The Church also observes this feast as an occasion to recognise the invaluable role of grandparents and senior citizens in families and communities. Through their wisdom, faith, experience and unconditional love, they serve as living witnesses of Christian values and become bridges connecting generations. Inspired by the examples of St. Anne and St. Joachim, many parishes celebrate Elders’ Day to express gratitude to senior citizens, honour their lifelong sacrifices and encourage families to cherish, respect and care for their elders.