Udupi Aug 30: The Christian Mothers’ Sodality of Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, Kallianpur celebrated their patroness St. Monica’s feast on Sunday.  The thanksgiving mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Philip Nery Aranha, Parish Priest of the church along with Rev. Fr. Mahesh D’Souza Asst. Parish Priest.

In his homily Fr. Mahesh outlined the life of St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine. She was an exemplary woman who never gave up hope and her faith in God amidst all tribulations in her family life. St. Monica has been honored for generations as a special patroness of married women and an example for Christian motherhood. The circumstances of St. Monica’s life could have made her a nagging wife, daughter–in–law or despairing parent, yet she did not give way to any of these temptations. It is the prayer of St. Monica herself that have been invoked by generations of faithful who honor her as a special patroness of married women and as an example for Christian motherhood.

At the end of mass Fr. Philip Nerry wished the Sodality of Mothers’ on the occasion of their patroness St. Monica. After the mass, a get-together of the Sodality members was held at Mount Rosary Millennium Hall. Rev. Fr. Philip Nery Aranha Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Mahesh D’souza, Helen Saldanha President, Gretta Fernandes, Secretary and Sr. Mari Jane of Goretti sisters among others were present on the dais.

The program started with the prayer. Helen Saldanha welcomed the gathering. The Sodality of Mothers is established since 90 years in Mount Rosary Church, which was started by Fr. Tellis. Plenty of good services were held throughout the year. Gretta Fernandes placed the history of Sodality. Once again Fr. Philip Nery Aranha and Fr. Mahesh D’souza gave their message on the occasion. Sr. Mari Jane also spoke during the occasion.

The office bearers of the unit were elected for which elections were conducted by Fr. Philip Nery Aranha. Dorin D’Souza was elected as President, Helen Fernandes as Secretary and Rita D’Souza was elected as Treasurer.

During the occasion there was singing and a skit was played by the members. Housie-housie game was conducted by Wester D' Silva. Florete Crasta delivered vote of thanks while Anita Quadros compered the programme. Lunch was served to all the participants.