Shrine News

Report by : Dr Roshan Fernandes
Pics by: Aaron Steve Lobo

The Altar Boys festival was celebrated on 11th September 2022 during 10:15 mass at St Lawrence Minor Basilica Attur. They celebrated this festival by honoring their patron St. John Berchmans. Fr Jencil Alva was the guest priest for the festival holy mass. Fr Alban Dsouza and Deacon Ashwin Rebello accompanied the guest priest during the holy mass. 26 new Altar Boys officially joined the Altar Boys' group of the parish. Fr Alban Dsouza carried out the rituals by blessing the 'phinth' and offering the same to the newly joined Altar Boys.

The mass was followed by the get-together in the catechism class hall at 11:30 AM. Fr Jencil Alva was the chief guest of the function. Fr Alban Dsouza, Rector of the Basilica was the president of the function. Fr. Roman Mascarenhas, Deacon Ashwin Rebello, Br. Shawn Andrade, Mr. Santhosh Dsilva - Vice President of the parish council, Mrs. Benedicta Noronha – Secretary of the parish council, Mr. Jason Dsouza - President of Altar Boys Association, Mr. Glenson Dsouza - Treasurer and Mr. Prathul Dsouza - Secretary were present.

The function started with the prayer rendered by Mr. Jason Dsouza, Mr. Glenson Dsouza and Mr. Prathul Dsouza. Dr Roshan Fernandes, Animator of Altar Boys presented the formal welcome speech. Followed by this the celebration was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries on the dais. Fr Jencil Alva conveyed his best wishes to the Altar Boys. Fr Alban Dsouza, in his presidential remarks, guided the Altar Boys how to grow in life with discipline and to become a good human being in the society. Mr. Jason Dsouza presented the formal vote of thanks.

The formal function was followed by the entertainment which included a few fun games to the Altar Boys. The program ended at 1:00 PM with prayer led by Fr Alban Dsouza followed by the lunch.

All the Altar Boys, Sisters and Catechism teachers were present for the celebration.