These days the first thing every Indian does in the morning is browsing WhatsApp looking for new messages. Most of the time – apart from the ubiquitous Good Morning messages – we receive messages greeting us on account of or commemorating a certain day. Throughout the year we celebrate more special days than there are days in a year. While some days are dedicated to certain relationships, some others are in commemoration of certain issues related to our lives, and some others pertain to historic events. One such day is Men’s Day, which coincidentally fell on Sunday, the 19th of November 2023.
The tradition of observing Men’s Day started in 1999. It is observed to honour and celebrate the lives, accomplishments, and contributions of men, especially those who have made significant contributions to the family, community, and country. Celebrating Men’s Day is a step in the right direction. It is also a day of observance aimed at focusing on the issues concerning men. In line with this concept, the theme of the year was “Zero Male Suicide”. The theme is apt as, when it comes to certain issues, men prefer to remain silent or secretive, suffering quietly in the bargain. In extreme circumstances – God forbid – men resort to taking the extreme step.
Interestingly, unlike other Days, the observance and celebration of Men’s Day is muted. Other than mutual exchange of greetings or receiving greeting messages nothing much is seen on ground. This made the ladies of Catholic Sabha ask: “If Women’s Day can be celebrated grandiosely, why not Men’s Day?” They went into huddle and after deliberations, they declared: “We will have grand celebration of Men’s Day.” Laity Commission and Social Welfare Commission too joined hands.
Ms. Sylvia D’Souza took charge of the day’s programme. Her team left no stone unturned in making sure that they could reach out to as many men as possible to invite them to the programme. After meticulous planning and extensive preparation, the eagerly awaited day finally arrived.
Dressed in various shades of blue – which was the theme of the day – men from all walks of life led the liturgy. After the Eucharistic celebration a uniquely designed programme ensued. Eminent teacher Mr. Aloysius D’Souza was chosen as the resource person. Along with the resource person, Rev. Fr William Menezes, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Jerald Francis Pinto, Socius Priest; Mr. Paul Rodrigues, Vice President of the PPC; Mrs. Lolina D’Souza, Secretary of the PPC; Ms. Renita Menezes, Coordinator of 21 Pastoral Commissions; Mr. Noel Pinto, Secretary of Laity Commission; Mr. Eugene Lobo, Secretary of Social Welfare Commission; and Mr. Roshan Patrao, President of Catholic Sabha graced the dais.
Forty men who are currently serving the parish – as Gurkars, ward representatives, parish association Presidents, Conveners of Pastoral Commission Groups and Secretaries of Pastoral Commissions – were honoured.
Mr. Aloysius D’Souza gave an elaborate talk on the issues pertaining to and surrounding men in the society.
After the talk by the resource person, entertainment followed. Mr. Albert Lasrado conducted various games to entertain the gathering. A comedy skit was presented by the members of Catholic Sabha.
Another team of Catholic Sabha members presented a dance signifying men’s role in the family, which not only filled the venue with laughter, but also surprised them with the faces that appeared on the stage for the first time.
In the end, prizes were distributed to the winners of the games. Mr. Paul Rodrigues, Secretary of Catholic Sabha, proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Rohan D’Costa compèred the programme.
As the programme concluded, the smile on their faces was testimony to the fact the it was truly Men in Blue’s Day Out.
