First Christmas & New Year celebration at Siddhpur Mission Parish by Xavier James.

First Christmas & New Year celebrations in Siddhpur Mission Parish

It was the first Christmas for Siddhpur Parish and it began with lighting of Advent candles by four different families. The advent candle stand was prepared by the nuns here. Two cribs, stars, Christmas tree and decorations were done by Martin & Philip Fernandes who worked late nights to make beautiful cribs for the parish. These two brothers were very excited to celebrate the first Christmas where they are from their birth. On the 23^rd December we went to sing carols to the Catholic homes and some people commented that it was meaningful carols singing in the last 23 years of their life in Siddhpur. The Santa was well received in the town and Santa was distributing chocolates from the kids to the elderly. On the 24^th December we were invited by Shree sthal School’s Principal and Management to sing Carols and deliver Christmas message. The sisters, some people and the Parish Priest sang carols in English, Gujarati and Hindi. Thereafter Fr. Xavier James delivered the Christmas message which had a theme of ‘Respect’: As God respected human persons and that is the reason he shared himself with them so also we need to do the same with others. He also commented on the gang rape in Delhi and in Gujarat was merely of disrespect one has for oneself and others. Then Santa distributed Christmas sweets to each child individually. We were glad to see such happiness in the children and management. We congratulate Mr. Shaji for taking initiative.

In the evening, we all had gathered together at Siddharth Hotel hall for the Christmas Midnight Mass and even some people of other faiths joined us in the celebration. We had sung the ‘Gloria’ at 12 a.m sharp. After the Mass we had celebrated the birthday of Shaji, Naveen and Joy and after cutting cake we all shared coffee and cake. Thereafter each one exchanged with their secret Christmas friend for whom one was praying during the advent. We are grateful to Imthiasbhai, Devrajbhai, staff, Naveen and Ivan of Siddharth hotel for letting us to use the hall for the Eucharist. Sisters had decorated the altar so well that their Mother General came to see and be part of our community. On the 25^th evening the Archbishop His Grace Stanislaus Fernandes took time off to be with his priest and wish him on the occasion. Fr. Xavier James was touched with the gesture of the Archbishop and is grateful to him for the personal touch. Thereafter we had gathered together for games and dinner at the house of Shaji and children were overjoyed with the prizes and gifts they received.    

On the 31^st December we had gathered together at Siddharth Hotel hall at 10.45 p.m. and recited the Holy Rosary with the help of some clippings of the Joyful mysteries. Thereafter we had the thanksgiving service in English, Gujarati, Malayalam and Konkani which was well appreciated. We began our New Year Eucharist at 12 a.m. and at the end all cut the cake and shared Christmas sweets, cake and coffee. In the evening of 1^st January 2013, we had gathered together at the house of Joy Thomas for some interesting games and delicious dinner. On the whole we enjoyed being together. (3^rd Jan 2013)