The First event in Shital Chhaya,Umru- Siddhpur Parish by Xavier James

The first event in Shital Chhaya Charitable Trust grounds, Umru – Siddhpur Parish

In his time God makes all things good and thus it was on 27th January 2013, a golden day for the New Siddhpur Mission Parish.  The Metropolitan Archbishop of Gandhinagar His Grace Stanislaus Fernandes arrived at Umru in time to witness and celebrate the first auspicious event taking place on the grounds of Shital Chhaya Charitable Trust. He began the Holy Eucharist concelebrated by Frs. Victor, Das, Nelson, Sushil and Xavier James.  Five candidates, Martin, Philip Fernandes, Grace, Esther and Philip were excited as they were eagerly awaiting with tremendous joy to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The candidates were presented to the Archbishop who received them, gave them their mission to be a true witness to Christ through words and action, prayed over and anointed them with Sacred Chrism.  In his homily, the Archbishop gave greater emphasis to utilizing of talents and skills for the wider society. The institution is Siddhpur is a blessing for the people of Siddhpur Taluka for the better life, The occasion was blessed with yet another event, the first wedding in Siddhpur Parish.  It was amazing to see Martin and Esther professing their consent to be united in the Sacrament of Marriage. The whole mass was well attended with devotion by the faithful of Mehsana, Palanpur, Siddhpur and many non Catholics from Siddhpur and Mumbai. It was the first Christian marriage our Hindu friends were witnessing. They all joined in prayer and bhajans led by Srs. Neeta and Jerusa. The presence of sisters from Palanpur and Patan was much appreciated. Towards the end of the Eucharist all the ‘Dharmaguru’(fathers) were honoured. People also felicitated some of the influential leaders from the locality who helped in the establishment of this new Trust/Parish. After greeting the newly wedded couple all shared in the Agape. Almost 400 people shared the meal. This event was possible because of the prayer and participation of the people. While Naveen, Ivan, Joy, Mary, Shaji, Susan and Oshine were very supportive, Amrutlal, Natubhai, Javedbhai, Amrutbhai, Jagdishbhai, Jeswantbhai were behind the success of this programme. To God be glory forever. (28th Jan. 2013)