Celebration of Grandparents’ Day and Senior Citizens’ Day at Good Shepherd Church, Gopala, Shivamogga

Shivamogga, July 31, 2026: The ICYM organization decided to celebrate Grandparents’ Day and Senior Citizens’ Day in our Good Shepherd Church Gopala Shimogga on Sunday, 26th July 2026.

We were privileged to have Rev. Fr Sunil Rodrigues OCD, Superior of Carmel Ashram, Vidyanagar, Shivamogga, as the Chief Guest for the celebration.

The day began with the Rosary at 8:00 a.m & Holy Eucharistic Celebration at 8:30 a.m., preceded by the Holy Eucharist was offered by Rev.Fr Sunil Rodrigues OCD & Rev. Fr Stephen Albuqurque, Parish Priest of the Good Shepherd Church, was also present for the celebration and concelebrated the Holy Eucharist.

A special feature of the celebration was that the entire liturgy was conducted by our grandparents, senior citizens. From the beginning to the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the elders actively participated in and led the various parts of the liturgy. This was specially organized by the ICYM organization as a way of honouring and appreciating the valuable presence, wisdom, and contribution of our elders.

After the Holy Eucharist, breakfast was arranged for all the grandparents and senior citizens. The main programme began at 11:00 a.m.

As a special and memorable activity, we prepared a tree without leaves on a drawing sheet. All the grandparents and senior citizens were invited one by one to place their fingerprints on the branches using paint, symbolizing their valuable presence and contribution to our parish. This created a beautiful and lasting memory for everyone.

The programme was presided over by Rev. Fr. Stephen Albuqurque, Parish Priest of Good Shepherd Church. The dignitaries present were Rev. Fr. Sunil Rodrigues OCD, Superior of Carmel Ashram, Vidyanagar, Shivamogga; Mr. Vijay Anto Sagai, Parish Council Secretary; and Mr. Kevin Machado, ICYM President.

As a special honour, Mr. Swamy Nathan and Mrs. Alice D’Souza, representing the senior-most members of our parish from the male and female groups respectively, were invited and seated on the stage.

Main Programme

The programme was compered by Ms. Mercy, who welcomed the dignitaries to the stage. It began with a prayer song by the ICYM members, followed by the Bible Reading by Mr. Sohan Pereira and an opening prayer by Ms. Ronita, ICYM Vice-President.

Mr. Kevin Machado, ICYM President, delivered the welcome speech and warmly welcomed all the guests and senior citizens.

Our Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Sunil Rodrigues OCD, addressed the gathering and shared an inspiring message on the importance of loving, respecting, and caring for senior citizens & also by a talk by Mr. Vijay Anto Sadai, Parish Council Secretary, who shared his thoughts and message with the gathering.

Rev. Fr. Stephen Albuqurque, Parish Priest, also addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of caring for our elders and recognizing their valuable role in our families and parish community.

Felicitation of the Chief Guest

Rev. Fr. Sunil Rodrigues OCD, was felicitated by ICYM as a mark of honour and gratitude. Ms. Sony Machado introduced the Chief Guest. The felicitation was held in the presence of Rev. Fr. Stephen Albuqurque, Mr. Vijay Anto Sagai, Mr. Kevin Machado, Mr. Swamy Nathan, and Mrs. Alice D’Souza.

Cultural Programme and Games

After the main programme, we moved on to the cultural programme, where our senior citizens presented various performances, including songs and a short drama. The ICYM members also performed a group dance and a Kannada old-song remix, which brought great joy and excitement to the elders.

This was followed by three fun games for the senior citizens, including Passing the Ball and other entertaining activities. Prizes were distributed to the first and second winners of each game, along with a special Lucky Person of the Day prize.

Mementos and Lunch

As a token of love and appreciation, memorable gifts were presented to all the senior citizens who attended the programme. Those who could not attend were also visited at their homes and given the same token of appreciation.

A few senior citizens shared their feedback and expressed their happiness and gratitude for the special celebration organized by ICYM.

The Vote of Thanks by Mr. Paul from ICYM was Given, Rev. Fr. Sunil Rodrigues OCD blessed the meal, followed by All the senior citizens then joined together for lunch.

After lunch, the ICYM members spent some joyful moments with the elders through dance, interaction, and fellowship, creating many beautiful memories.

The programme concluded with heartfelt thanks to all the senior citizens and grandparents, parish priest, animators, ICYM members, volunteers, and everyone who supported the celebration. The day was truly a memorable and joyful experience, filled with love, respect, gratitude, laughter, and togetherness.

“Honouring our elders today, cherishing their wisdom always, and creating memories together that will remain in our hearts forever.”

Report Submitted by:
Paulin Anthony
ICYM Secretary, Gopala