DCCW Celebrates Elders’ Day with Faith, Fellowship and Tribute to Senior Citizens

Mangaluru: The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) hosted a meaningful, vibrant Elders’ Day celebration at Milagres Church Hall on September 26, bringing together senior citizens for a day of prayer, fellowship, entertainment, and reflection. The programme honoured the invaluable contributions of elders to their families, the Church, and society, while highlighting the importance of caring for and respecting senior citizens.

The celebration allowed elders to come together, share their experiences, participate in various activities, and enjoy a warm atmosphere of friendship and togetherness. It also conveyed the message that growing older is not a limitation, but a stage of life enriched by wisdom, experience, and opportunities to inspire younger generations.

The programme commenced with an invocation led by Gracy Lobo, President of the Belthangady Varado, followed by a Bible reading that set a prayerful and reflective tone for the celebration.

DCCW Spiritual Director Fr. Harry D’Souza offered a thoughtful reflection on ageing and the importance of remaining close to God and to one another. He emphasized that as people grow older, they should continue to love God and their neighbours and remain grateful for every day of their lives. “Let us thank God for giving us this day. DCCW has organized such a meaningful programme for senior citizens. May they continue this service and reach out to more people,” he said.

DCCW President Gretta Pinto warmly welcomed the gathering and expressed her happiness at seeing a large number of senior citizens participating in the celebration. She also acknowledged the presence and contributions of former DCCW presidents, appreciating their dedicated service and leadership over the years. Concluding her address, Gretta encouraged the elders to take good care of their health, remain positive, and find happiness in the simple things they do every day.

Former DCCW President Lydia D’Cunha introduced Lidwin Lobo, Coordinator of the Senior Citizens Helpline, as the resource person.

Addressing the gathering, Lidwin Lobo explained the role and services of the Senior Citizens Helpline and spoke about several challenges faced by elderly people, particularly those relating to property, financial security, family disputes and neglect. She advised senior citizens to exercise caution before signing property-related or other important documents at the request of their children or relatives without fully understanding their contents or seeking independent advice.

Lobo said the helpline receives cases involving senior citizens who face neglect and, in some instances, are forced to leave their homes. Recalling one such case, she spoke about an elderly woman with seven children who reportedly found herself without a child willing to take responsibility for her care, eventually requiring intervention by the police and the Senior Citizens Helpline.

She urged elders to remain mentally and physically active. “Write something every day so that you keep your mind active. Talk to your grandchildren. If they are using mobile phones, join them and engage with them. Try activities such as crossword puzzles,” she advised.

Sharing a personal aspect of her life, Lobo said her husband had been a strong pillar of support and had always encouraged her to participate in social activities. She encouraged senior citizens to maintain loving relationships with their spouses, remain patient and polite, and avoid hurting one another, even when forgetfulness becomes part of ageing. She also stressed the importance of daily exercise, walking, staying calm, maintaining social connections, and keeping the mind active.

Procurator of the Diocese of Mangalore, Rev. Fr. Edwin Correa, congratulated DCCW President Gretta Pinto and the Executive Committee for organizing the special celebration. “When you celebrate Elders’ Day, I would like to congratulate the DCCW President and all the Executive Committee members for organizing this programme for the elders. I wish everyone a very happy Elders’ Day,” he said.

Describing elders as a treasure of the family, Church and society, Fr. Edwin said their experience and wisdom provide a strong foundation for future generations. “Elders are like the roots of a tree. As a tree grows older, its roots become stronger. If our families are strong, it is because of our elders,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of passing on values, knowledge, and life experiences to the younger generation. “Whatever we have earned, we need to transfer it to the future generation,” he added. Sharing an example from his own family, Fr. Edwin said his father is 85 and his mother is 75, and that they continue to live in their own home. When the house was constructed, the family incorporated a ramp to meet their needs, highlighting the importance of making homes safe and accessible for senior citizens.

He encouraged elders to take responsibility for their health and adopt a healthy lifestyle. “Our health is in our hands. We need to do whatever we can to remain healthy. A little exercise and walking can help us stay active. Let us get together whenever we can, keep our minds calm and remain happy with others,” he said. Fr. Edwin once again congratulated DCCW for organizing the meaningful gathering and appreciated the organization’s efforts to bring senior citizens together.

The celebration continued with a series of spot games and entertainment programmes, creating an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie. The games were conducted by Vice President Lynette Castelino, with the senior citizens participating enthusiastically.

The gathering also witnessed lively singing performances by the elders, who entertained the audience with popular Tulu, Kannada and Konkani songs. Their enthusiasm and talent added colour and joy to the celebration.

Several senior citizens expressed their happiness over the programme and appreciated the DCCW Executive Committee for organizing a special day dedicated to them. Many said such gatherings provide an opportunity to meet friends, share memories, and spend quality time together.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of the various games. All the senior citizens were honoured with mementoes as a gesture of appreciation and respect for their presence and contribution.

Fr. Harry D’Souza led a prayer of blessing before the fellowship meal, seeking God’s blessings upon all the senior citizens and the gathering.

DCCW Secretary Violet Pereira delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the clergy, resource person, former presidents, Executive Committee members, volunteers, and all the senior citizens who contributed to the success of the celebration. Celestine D’Souza compered the programme.

The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal, allowing the participants to interact, reminisce, and strengthen their bonds of friendship.

The Elders’ Day celebration served as a beautiful reminder that senior citizens are not merely recipients of care but repositories of wisdom, faith, traditions, and life experiences. The gathering also reaffirmed DCCW’s commitment to promoting the dignity, well-being, and active participation of senior citizens in the community.