Mangaluru: The “Bye 2025, Welcome 2026” New Year celebration was organised by the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh – Nirkan Unit on December 31, 2025, immediately after the year-end Holy Mass at 9.30 pm at St Thomas the Apostle Church.
Presence of clergy and parish leaders
The celebration was graced by Rev. Fr Anil Roshan Lobo, Parish Priest of Nirkan, who served as the Spiritual Director, along with Rev. Fr Arun Bennis. Shanthi Veigas, Secretary of PPC, Nirkan. Also present were Vincent Bennis, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Nirkan, and the office bearers of the Catholic Sabha Nirkan Unit — Melwin D’Souza (President), Issac D’Souza (Secretary) and Alphonse Fernandes (Treasurer).
Cake cutting and cultural highlights
Melwin D’Souza, President of the Catholic Sabha Nirkan Unit, warmly welcomed the gathering. The highlight of the evening was the cutting of the New Year cake, symbolising gratitude for the year gone by and hope for the year ahead.
The programme featured several engaging activities, including:
- Auction of the Velankanni Mai saree, New Year cake, kombo and other items
- Spot games with prizes
- Dance and comedy skit performances
- Distribution of prizes for the elocution competition
- Felicitation of parish students who secured the highest marks in the final examinations
Lucky draw and vote of thanks
The programme was compered by Austin Lobo, Immediate Past President of the Catholic Sabha Nirkan Unit, who also delivered the vote of thanks. The evening concluded with the announcement of the Bokdechi Pilan Lucky Draw by Rev. Fr Anil Roshan Lobo. The lucky winner was Royson Ostin Culaco (Ticket No. 61).
The celebration fostered fellowship, joy and togetherness, marking a meaningful transition into the New Year 2026 for the Nirkan parish community.
