Report and Photos by: Ashwin D’Silva
The parishioners of Uppoor A Ward joyfully celebrated their annual ward feast in honour of their patron, St Sebastian, on Sunday, 9 November 2025.
The day began with a Thanksgiving Mass at 8:00 a.m. in Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, offered in gratitude for the blessings received. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Very Rev. Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Rector of the Cathedral.
The liturgy was meaningfully led by members of Uppoor A Ward. The introduction was given by Mr Pius Lewis, the First Reading was proclaimed by Mr Reginald Lewis, and Mrs Jacintha Lewis read the Second Reading. Mr Vern Rodrigues led the responsorial hymn, while the Prayers of the Faithful were read by Mr Daniel Rodrigues and Mr Delan Lewis. Ward members also came forward with their offerings, expressing their faith and thanksgiving.
Later in the evening, at 6:00 p.m., a get-together was organised at the residence of Mr Reginald Lewis, Gurkar of Uppoor A Ward. The dais was graced by Very Rev. Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves (Rector), Fr Pradeep Cardoza (Assistant Parish Priest, Milagres Cathedral), Mr Melwyn Sequeira (Vice-President, Parish Pastoral Council), Mrs Eugene Rebello (Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council), Mrs Prema Lewis (Coordinator, Parish Pastoral Commissions), Mr Godfrey Lewis (Gurkar, Uppoor B Ward), Mr Steven Almeida (Gurkar, Thenkabettu Ward), Mr Reginald Lewis (Gurkar, Uppoor A Ward), and Mrs Anita D’Silva (former Gurkarn, Uppoor A Ward).
The evening programme began with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, followed by a prayer song by the youth of the ward. Mr Reginald Lewis extended a warm welcome to all, after which Mr Alphonse D’Silva presented the ward report highlighting the ward’s activities over the past year.
A felicitation was held in honour of Mrs Anita D’Silva, who was recognised for her eight years of dedicated service as the Ward Gurkarn.
The cultural segment that followed was lively and entertaining, showcasing the ward’s rich talent. The audience enjoyed a delightful duet song by Mr Stany D’Souza and Mrs Lily D’Souza, a spirited duet dance by Ms Rachel Lewis and Mr Raynel Lewis, and a soulful solo song by Master Joyvin Lewis. Adding humour and creativity were two skits performed by Mrs Delphine Lewis, Ms Rachel Lewis, and Mr Raynel Lewis, as well as Master Renan Lewis and Master Varen Rodrigues. Ms Rachel Lewis conducted engaging games, and prizes were distributed to the winners. The performances concluded with a group song by ward members, filling the air with joy and unity.
In his message, Fr Pradeep Cardoza wished everyone a happy feast and praised the children and youth of the ward for their talents and active participation in church activities. He urged parents to teach their children to discern right from wrong, to pray in times of difficulty, and to attend Holy Mass regularly.
Very Rev. Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, in his address, extended feast greetings and appreciated the ward members’ contribution to various parish activities — particularly mentioning the Men’s Self-Help Group and the formation of the English Choir, which was led by some of the youth of the ward. He lauded the talents displayed during the programme and reflected on the inspiring life and martyrdom of St Sebastian, calling him “a double martyr and a true model of faith and courage.”
Fr Pradeep Cardoza offered the blessing on the dinner meal, which was lovingly prepared by the ward members. Mrs Anita D’Silva proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the celebration.
During the fellowship dinner, ward members continued to entertain one another with melodious songs performed by Mr Stany Lewis, Mr Clifford Lewis, Master Varen Rodrigues, and Ms Samantha Lewis, adding joy and warmth to the evening. The entire programme was compered by Mrs Veena Rodrigues.
The feast day was a beautiful expression of faith, unity, and joy — strengthening the spiritual and social bond among the members of Uppoor A Ward.
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