Mangaluru: Couples for Christ India, Mangaluru unit celebrated their 15th family day ‘Revive’ on September 2 at the The Pastoral Institute, Bajjodi. Around 250 were present to celebrate this Crystal jubilee. The day was filled with fun, fellowship and faith building.

The gathering was welcomed by the warm words of the community head, Jane and Gerald Castelino. The entire CFCI family then began their day with a power-packed ‘praise and worship’ after which a tasty breakfast set the tone for the day. They then assembled back for the cultural programme, by a ‘praise parade’ led by the CFCI youth and kids, followed by the CFCI singles and then the couples. The cultural programmes came from a wide spectrum of participants, kids with their adorable action songs, youth with their lively dance, song and skit and the couples with equally fun-filled and meaningful entertainment. All together gave a fantabulous performance. Life changing testimonies shared by few strengthened the faith of many. The audience too was kept involved by spot games to tickle their brains.

The Holy Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza was the focal point of the entire programme showering abundant graces on all present. Fr Victor D'Mello, parish priest of Kirem, Fr. Aquin Noronha, parish priest of St Dominic Church, Ashoknagar and Fr Anil D’Souza, spiritual director of CFCI Mangaluru and director of Family Life Service Centre joined as concelebrants.

This was followed by formal recognition of the pastoral services of the Bishop of Mangaluru for the past 22 years by one of the couples who were a part of this community right from its inception in Mangaluru. The bishop clearly stated that the services of Fr Victor D’Mello were instrumental in the origin of CFCI in Mangaluru. The family day celebrations thus came to a close with group photographs, followed by a toothsome lunch.

The smiles on the faces of people returning home was a striking evidence that the day had been well spent with wonderful memories to cherish for years to come.