- 11 October, 2025
Udupi, October 11 2025 – St. John the Evangelist Church, Pangla (Shankerpura), witnessed a grand celebration of love and commitment as over 200 married couples gathered on Sunday, 5 October, for the annual Couple’s Day celebration. The highlight of the event was the felicitation of 14 couples marking their golden jubilee — 50 years of married life — a tribute to enduring faithfulness and togetherness.
The day began with a Thanksgiving Eucharistic Mass, concelebrated by parish priest Fr. Dr. Anil Prakash Castelino along with Fr. Jassyl Coutinho and Fr. Rolwyn Fernandes, assistant priests of the parish. The spiritual gathering was followed by a lively felicitation programme at the newly inaugurated Sabha Bhavan Auditorium.
The formal function began under the compering of Wilfred R D’Souza, noted Konkani writer and editor of the parish magazine, who invited the honorary guests to the dais. The programme opened with a prayer song by the parish choir and a welcome address by Helen D’Souza, co-ordinator of the Family Commission, Pangla Parish Unit.
Distinguished guests included Janet Barboza, a prominent women’s leader from Mudarangadi Parish; Leslie Aroza, Director of the Family Commission, Udupi Diocese; parish priests and lay leaders John Martis, Gabriel Martis, and Joseph Castelino. Together with young couple DJ Rayan and Priya Rodrigues, the dignitaries lit the traditional lamp, symbolising harmony between generations.
Honouring enduring love
A cake-cutting ceremony led by the parish’s oldest couple, Ambros Christian Mathias, added sweetness to the occasion. Jacinta D’Sa, member of the Family Commission, introduced chief guest Janet Barboza, who delivered an inspiring toast celebrating marital perseverance. Reflecting on her 33 years of marriage, Barboza said, “In the olden days, people were married off early and remained faithful through all the ups and downs. The key to a lasting marriage is frank conversation, constant effort, and sacrifice.”
Reflections on marital vocation
In his keynote address, Leslie Aroza highlighted the sacredness of marriage, calling it “a holy vocation equal to that of priests and nuns.” Addressing the challenges faced by modern families, he observed, “Old marriages lasted for decades, but today many are broken for simple reasons. Couples must learn to spend more time together, share joys and struggles, and appreciate each other.”
Voices of encouragement
John Martis, vice-president of the Pastoral Council, reminded the audience that wedding jubilees “inspire others to remain steadfast in love and commitment.” Parish priest Fr. Castelino also called for greater inclusion, suggesting that widows, too, be remembered and celebrated as part of the parish family. Quoting Pope Francis, he said, “The Catholic Church is walking together towards divine life.”
A joyful close
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Edwin Lasrado of the Family Commission, followed by a festive lunch. The celebrations ended on a joyful note with interactive games and humour-filled hosting by Wilfred R D’Souza, leaving smiles all around.
The Couple’s Day at Pangla Parish stood as a heartfelt tribute to love, faith, and the sacred vocation of marriage — values that continue to strengthen and unite the parish community.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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