Solemnity of St Joseph celebrated with Foundation Stone Laying for the Presbytery 

As the bright sky looked full of felicity. The Church Bells chimed

The Parish choir transported, inspired, motivated and engaged the faithful in hymns and sea of devotees thronged St. Joseph the worker Church, Neermarga promulgating the propitious day of the Feast of St. Joseph, Mary’s Husband and to mark a significant day in the history of the Church i.e., the ceremony of laying the Foundation stone for the new Presbytery on 19th March, 2021. 

As the Entrance Procession made its way to the Altar 16 Families representing 16 wards of the Parish walked in front of the main Celebrants Msgr Maxim Lawrence Noronha Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese and Rev Fr Anil D Mello , Parish 

Priest together inaugurated the Year of Amoris Laetitia Family followed by the Festive Holy Eucharist. Msgr Maxim Lawrence Noronha in his edifying Homily said “As we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, let us give thanks to God for the gift of Joseph, the protector of the Holy Family of Nazareth, a risk taker and a deep listener”. Further he gave a Wake-up Call to the Parishioners to remain steadfast when life throws up difficult challenges and troubles to live with integrity as St Joseph did, trusting God. He reiterated the words of Pope Francis “I have a great love for St. Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. On my table, I have an image of St. Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church! Yes! We know that he can do that. So when I have a problem, a difficulty, I write a little note and I put it underneath St. Joseph, so that he can dream about it! in other words, I tell him: Pray for this problem!” 

It was indeed thought-provoking homily. Liturgy committee under the able auspices of Rev Fr Anil D Mello, Parish Priest meticulously planned the Liturgy. 

After the Mass, a Formal Ceremony was held to lay the Foundation Stone. The 

Parish Priest extended a cordial, genial, joyous and hospitable greeting to Msgr Maxim Lawrence Noronha in his  Welcome Address and offered a bouquet of flowers. The Vicar General in his Presidential Address articulated that under Rev Fr Anil D Mello, unassuming, charismatic Guide and a Leader with utmost efficiency and dynamic personality and the support of the parishioners and benisons of St. Joseph would undoubtedly execute with perfection the proposed venture. 

The Foundation Stone was then unveiled and blessed, together with the Grounds, by Msgr Maxim Lawrence Noronha followed with petitions praying for the success of this endeavor. Thereby The Vicar General, The Parish Priest, Mr. Ravi Saldanha, Vice President Parish Pastoral Council, Mr. Prakash Pereira, Secretary Parish Pastoral Council positioned the stone in place and thus the Foundation for the Presbytery was laid and thus the long-cherished dream became a reality. These were moments of elation and rejoicing for the parishioners assembled in large numbers. 

Refreshments were then served. Mr. Prasad Vas effectually compeered the programme.