Tag: St Francis Xavier Church

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.

Social

St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, Shines Light on Mental Health with Awareness Programme

allycaralgoa

The Social Apostolate Cell and Family Apostolate Cell of the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, Mapusa, Goa, recently took a significant step towards promoting mental health awareness in their community. On 9th February 2025, the parish organized a comprehensive awareness programme on mental health, facilitated by renowned psychologist and counsellor, Ms. Ketaki Parob Gadekar.

The event, which drew a crowd of nearly 200 people, was a resounding success. Participants greatly appreciated the programme, expressing their gratitude for the insightful information and expert guidance provided by Ms. Gadekar and her team. The audience was also eager to learn more, posing a multitude of questions related to mental health.

Ms. Gadekar and her team addressed these queries with sensitivity and professionalism, dispelling many common myths surrounding counselling and mental health. The programme’s impact was evident in the enthusiastic response from the attendees, who requested more such initiatives to be conducted in the future.

The parish recognizes that mental health is an essential aspect of overall wellbeing and is committed to creating a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and empathy. By organizing this awareness programme, the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, has demonstrated its dedication to promoting mental wellbeing and responding to the deeply felt needs of its community.

The success of this initiative serves as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in promoting mental health awareness. As the parish continues to organize more programmes and activities focused on mental wellbeing, it is clear that the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, is at the forefront of creating a more compassionate and inclusive community.

Key Highlights:

  • The awareness programme on mental health was organized by the Social Apostolate Cell and Family Apostolate Cell of the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler.
  • The event was facilitated by psychologist and counsellor, Ms. Ketaki Parob Gadekar, and attended by nearly 200 people.
  • The programme aimed to educate the community about mental health, dispel common myths, and provide resources for support.
  • The parish plans to organize more programmes and activities to promote mental wellbeing and respond to the needs of its community.