-News : Alfred Furtado Pics : Jeston Dias and Dwaine Lewis
Barkur, May 3, 2026 — The parishioners of St. Peter Church, Barkur, came together in faith and fellowship on Sunday to celebrate their annual Community Day, a vibrant occasion that blended spiritual reflection, cultural expression, and heartfelt recognition of dedicated service.
The afternoon's festivities kicked off at 3:30 p.m. with an engaging Bible quiz competition, skillfully conducted by Parish Priest Fr. Ronald Miranda, who brought infectious energy and a professional touch to the proceedings — drawing enthusiastic participation from parishioners young and old.
The spiritual centrepiece of the day followed at 4:15 p.m., when a Solemn High Mass was celebrated with Fr. Rolwin Fernandes as the principal celebrant. Fr. Rolwin, recently appointed Principal of St. Mary's PU College, Kundapur, delivered a stirring homily calling the community to rise above petty differences and embrace the unity that defines the Christian faith. "The early Christians have shown us the right path to reach our destiny," he said. "The Word of the Lord is the foundation of the unity of the faithful. Organisations like the Catholic Sabha, SVP, and others have a larger role to play in achieving this goal."
Following Mass, the gathering moved to the main hall for a lively ward-wise, theme-based cultural programme, opened beautifully with a prayer dance by members of the parish Marian Legion. Addressing the assembly as Chief Guest, Fr. Rolwin warmly recalled his two years spent among the Barkur community, expressing admiration for their enduring spirit of solidarity.
The evening also carried a special note of honour, as present and former Gurkars, Coordinators of the Twenty Commissions, and the Secretaries and Vice Presidents of the Parish Pastoral Council were formally felicitated in recognition of their dedicated service to the parish.
A particularly touching moment came with the commemoration of Fr. Ronald Miranda's 30th anniversary of priestly ordination. Celebrated with characteristic humility, the milestone drew a heartfelt congratulatory address from former Vice President Mr. Gerald Gonsalves, speaking on behalf of the entire Barkur community. In his presidential remarks, Fr. Miranda expressed warm appreciation for all parishioners — both local residents and those who travelled from outstation — whose commitment made the day a success.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Joseph Fernandes of Kudru, Coordinator of the Twenty Commissions, while Parish Secretary Mrs. Sabita Fernandes compered the programme with grace and precision throughout the evening.
The celebrations concluded on a warm and communal note, with a shared meal served from 8:00 p.m. onwards — bringing together approximately 450 parishioners under one roof in a fitting close to a day that embodied the very unity it set out to celebrate.
