Women’s Association News

News By Gordon D’Almeida
Pics by Valerie Lobo

Saheli and Catholic Sabha Valencia unit organised Women's Day on 7th March 2020 at Valencia church. The celebrations started with solemn Eucharistic celebration which was celebrated by Fr Joswin Dsouza, Asst Parish Priest.

A get together was organized in the Golden Jubilee Hall.The program began at 6.30PM with a prayer song led by Saheli members. Mrs Leena Monteiro, secretary of Saheli Valencia Unit welcomed the gathering.

The Resource person for the day was Dr Loveena Lobo Asst Professor , post graduate dept of social work , St Aloysius College Mangaluru. In her talk , she spoke about "Family and mental health". She stressed on the importance of mental health in the present world which is filled with stress and worries. Family plays a major role in the well being and mental health of a person. Bringing up children is a challenge because of the differences in the past and present. Our connection with God is important through personal prayers with proper concentration. In the words of pope Francis , "There is no perfect family, there are no perfect parents, no perfect partners and no perfect children". Family must be a place of giving life and parents play an integral part in the overall development of a child.

After the session there was dance performance by Catholic Sabha members and skit by Saheli members. The trio Mellu , Steevan, Richa made the crowd to laugh with their jokes. Patrick D’Souza conducted a few spot games.

Parish Priest Fr James Dsouza, Asst PP Fr Joswin Dsouza, Resident PP Fr Arun Lobo, PPC secretary Rita Menezes, Resource person and guest of the Day Dr Loveena Lobo, Catholic Sabha Valencia unit president Merlyn Rego, Saheli secretary Leena Monteiro were present during the programme. Merlyn Rego rendered the vote of thanks.

The program concluded with dinner. Around 300 women of the parish actively participated in the program.