Report: Dale D’Souza
Photos: Joshua D’Souza
On the rainy morning of 25th May 2025, following the 8:00 AM Mass, a Marian Rosary Competition was organized by the ICYM and Sunday Catechism team at the Tri-Centenary Hall of Milagres Cathedral. This unique and creative initiative was held in honour of Mother Mary, encouraging children to express their devotion through artistic and prayerful engagement.
The inaugural program was compered by Mrs Sheela Menezes, Coordinator of Sunday Catechism. The dignitaries present on the dais included Parish Priest Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Assistant Parish Priest Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Resident Priest Rev Fr Dr Jencil Alva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council Mr Melwin Sequeira, Coordinator of the 20 Pastoral Commissions, Mrs Prema Lewis, and Ms Aaniya Menezes, President of ICYM.
The program began with a prayer led by Fr Pradeep Cardoza, invoking the intercession of Our Lady. A warm welcome address was delivered by Ms Aaniya Menezes, setting a devotional tone for the event. Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves addressed the gathering with a few encouraging and spiritual words, emphasizing the importance of Marian devotion in family and faith formation. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs Sheela Menezes.
Following the inauguration, Fr Pradeep Cardoza explained the guidelines and judging criteria for the competition. A total of 16 children participated in this creative activity, which was divided into two age categories:
Category 1: Standards 1 to 5
Category 2: Standards 6 to 12
Children showcased remarkable creativity by preparing rosaries using vegetables, cereals, pulses, beads, and other natural and household materials. Each rosary was not only a work of art but also a reflection of the child’s prayerful intention and devotion to Mary.
The winners were as follows:
Category 1 (Std 1 – 5):
1st Prize: Ester Pimenta – Kakkunje
2nd Prize: Rinola Dsouza – Kallianpur A
3rd Prize: Ashlyn Lobo – Santhekatte B
Category 2 (Std 6 – 12):
1st Prize: Shreyas Cornelio – Santhekatte B
2nd Prize: Aaron Lewis – Kallianpur A
3rd Prize: Varen Rodrigues – Uppoor A
The competition beautifully blended faith, creativity, and community participation, making it a memorable event in honour of Our Blessed Mother. Events like these continue to foster spiritual growth in children and strengthen the bond of parish life.
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