Tag: Duler Parish

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St. Francis Xavier Parish, Duler Celebrates a Vibrant Day 1 of Christmas Fiesta

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler witnessed a vibrant and faith-filled beginning to its two-day Christmas Fiesta with the successful completion of Day 1 celebrations on January 3 at the St. Anthony School Grounds. Organised to encourage local talent while celebrating faith, relationships and culture, the event drew an enthusiastic response from parishioners and visitors alike.

The festive grounds came alive with food stalls, face painting counters, activity zones and various stalls, creating a warm and welcoming environment for families and children. The atmosphere reflected the true spirit of Christmas, marked by togetherness, joy and community participation.

Adding to the celebrations, parishioners took to the side stage to showcase their talents through soulful singing, expressive poetry recitations and energetic group dance performances. These presentations highlighted the creativity, confidence and cultural richness within the parish and were warmly appreciated by the audience.

From 6.30 pm onwards, the screening of the Konkani movie Mog Asum, by the makers of Nachoiam Kumpasar, added cultural depth to the evening and was well received by the gathering.

Addressing the audience, Chief Guest Joshua D’Souza, Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and MLA of the Mapusa Constituency, described the event as a lively experience that enables people to connect with one another. He noted that such celebrations play an important role in fostering community bonding.

Day 1 of the Christmas Fiesta was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Joshua D’Souza, Guest of Honour Marwin Gomes, Chief Architect of the Public Works Department, Goa, Rev. Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, SVD, Episcopal Vicar (Religious) of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, and Wilson D’Souza, DySP and SDPO, Mapusa. The parish also expressed its appreciation for the presence of Bro. Edmund Peter Lemos, Chairperson of St. Anthony’s Institute, and Cyril Fernandes, President of the Catholic Association of Goa.

The Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler has invited everyone to be part of Day 2 of the Christmas Fiesta on January 4, featuring the tiatr ‘Don Dis Sonvsarantle’ by Ulhas Tari, with festivities continuing from 5 pm onwards. The parish extended heartfelt gratitude to all voluntee

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Duler Parish Families Celebrate ‘Disconnect to Connect’ for Jubilee of Families

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler, recently hosted a special celebration for Family Apostolate Sunday and the Jubilee of Families on 31st August 2025, coinciding with the Diocesan Day dedicated to family ministry. The event drew parishioners of all ages for a day of spiritual reflection, practical guidance, and joyful fellowship.

The day began with a beautifully animated liturgy led by the Family Apostolate Animation Team. Through three engaging skits, participants explored the Gospel’s message of valuing relationships and humble service over possessions or status.

Following the service, Prof. Vijay and Ulene Borges of MFC, Margao, led an interactive session on balancing work and family life. Drawing from their experience raising six children, they shared strategies for discipline, clear role allocation, and open communication. They emphasized the importance of emotional and psychological support in families, highlighting how children, when respected, can also support parents.

The mood then lightened with Team and Partner games, bringing laughter and enthusiasm to participants young and old. The festivities continued with a Jubilee cake cutting and a shared lunch, fostering light-hearted conversation and community bonding.

To conclude, families were encouraged to take part in a two-hour digital detox, “Disconnect from Devices to Connect with Family,” through shared meals, games, or outings.

Fr. Anthony Fernandes, Parish Priest, commended the Family Apostolate Animation Team for organizing a meaningful program that combined formation and fellowship, praising their efforts in building Happy, Healthy, and Holy Families.

The event was coordinated by Asst. Prof. Pallavi Kalangutkar, Asst. Prof. Vibha Pai Angle, and student volunteers, ensuring a seamless execution of sessions guided by eminent resource persons, Mr. Vivek Patki and Mr. Gaurav Malhotra.

Events in Goa

Duler Parish Empowers Grandparents and Elders with Cybercrime Awareness on Appreciation Day

Tanisha Cardozo

The Parish of St Francis Xavier Church, Duler, came alive with spirit, song, and sincere gratitude on Sunday, July 27, 2025, as it marked Grandparents’ and Elders’ Appreciation Day with warmth and purpose. Spearheaded by the Social Apostolate Cell (SAC) and Family Apostolate Cell (FAC), the event honoured the legacy, resilience, and wisdom of the senior members of the community.

The morning began with a Thanksgiving Mass, beautifully attended by parishioners and dedicated to the Grandparents and Elders. The Senior Citizens’ Forum of the parish joined hands with the SAC to create a meaningful prayer service followed by an Educational-Cultural Celebration that brought generations together.

Through touching Konkani songs and skits, the Catechism Children and Youth not only paid tribute to the elders but also brought attention to a pressing modern issue — Cybercrime.

The Chief Guest, DySP Wilson Cipriano D’Souza, applauded the parish for blending tradition with contemporary challenges. He assured seniors that the Mapusa Police stands with them and encouraged them to approach his office for any support.

The highlight of the day was an insightful presentation by Cybercrime Branch Inspector Vidyanand Pawar, who explained the evolving nature of digital frauds targeting elders and offered practical safety tips for using smartphones, banking apps, and social media.

Adding grace to the celebration were Justice Sabino Braganza and Range Forest Officer Maryann D’Souza, both special invitees who reinforced the message of appreciation and empowerment.

A delightful cultural performance by the Senior Citizens, featuring a traditional Mando, fashion show, and musical acts, brought joy and connection to the community. The event closed with a joyful fellowship lunch.

In the evening, the celebration extended beyond the church walls. The FAC, Parish Pastoral Council, and Somudai leaders reached out to the homebound and isolated elders, gifting them handmade cards by Catechism children and tokens of love, ensuring no one was left behind.

Fr Anthony Fernandes, Parish Priest, summed it up best:

“Our elders are timeless beacons of faith and wisdom. Today, we not only honour them but also stand by them as a community.”

Indeed, the event was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the dignity, safety, and shared identity of the Parish’s senior citizens.