“Every wrinkle tells a story, every smile carries a lesson, and every senior is a treasure.”
With this spirit, the Senior Citizens Day celebration was held at Valencia Church on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 6:15 pm at Ferrer Hall, bringing together over 180 senior parishioners for an evening of joy, gratitude, and fellowship.
The guest of honor for the event was Dr Edward Nazareth, renowned orthopedic surgeon and well-known writer. The program was presided over by Fr Roque DSa, Parish Priest, along with Fr Pradeep Rodrigues, Ronald Rodrigues (Vice President, Parish Council), Rita Menezes (Secretary, Parish Council), and John Menezes (President, Senior Citizens Club).
The evening began with a soulful prayer song rendered by the ladies of the club, followed by a warm welcome address by President John Menezes.
In his address, Fr Roque DSa reminded the gathering that being a senior citizen is not about becoming old but about embracing life in new ways. “Retired life is not the end it is a new chapter where we can celebrate life, take care of our health, and find joy in small things,” he encouraged and emphasized the importance of physical well being.
Dr Edward Nazareth, in his keynote talk, focused on health awareness among seniors. He stressed the importance of monitoring blood pressure, managing diabetes, and incorporating exercise as a daily habit to lead a healthy and active life. He also advised seniors to adapt positively to changing times and maintain a mindset open to the lifestyles of younger generations, including millennials and Gen-Z.
The cultural part of the evening included melodious songs by the men and women of the club, followed by housie games and spot games, which brought lively participation and laughter.
Rita Menezes introduced the guest. Vote of thanks was proposed by Vice President Prescilla DSouza, while the evening was compered with charm and enthusiasm by Vincent Mendonca.
The program concluded with a blessing over the meals by Fr Pradeep Rodrigues and a lavish dinner arranged by Patrao Caterers, leaving everyone with cherished memories.
The celebration was a true expression of gratitude, joy, and fellowship, honoring the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens of Valencia parish.
By Gordon DAlmeida
