Pics & Report : Fr Rohan Lobo, Bejai.
Sept 07, 2017: First time in the history of Diocese of Mangalore, Y.C.S unit of St Francis Xavier Church Bejai, has organised a unique competition called ‘GROTTO MAKING COMPETITION’ on the occasion of Nativity of our Mother Mary or the birthday of Mother of Jesus.
Rev. Fr Rohan Lobo, the Asst. Parish Priest and the Asst. Director of Y.C.S Unit took the initiative to organize the competition along with the YCS Members of the Bejai Parish. Every year children bring flowers to honour Mother Mary during the nine days of novena in preparation for the feast. Along with these flowers, the Y.C.S. Bejai unit members wanted to honour Mother Mary in a different way. So they planned to have the competition for all the Bejai parishioners of preparing the 'Grotto of Mother Mary'. As a result there was a very good response from the Bejai parishioners.
In all, 20 Grottos have come forward for the competition. Several people, the school children and the adults have come to see these beautiful Grottos. Among the spectators children of Lourdes Central School Bejai had come to see along Rev Fr Robert D’Souza the principal of the school.
These Grottos are made up of Bean seeds, Potatoes, Stones, Paper, Cement, and other materials. Rev Fr Wilson W.L D’Souza, the Parish Priest gave whole hearted support to the participants. The winners of this competition are First prize - Neil Crasta, Second Prize – Alrisha Monteiro, Third Prize (divided between two) – J.G Family and Adline Fiona Lobo. They will be honoured on 8th September during the Feast of Nativity of Mother Mary (‘Monthi fest’). So this way Y.C.S. Bejai unit have found a new way to honour Mother Mary.