Thanksgiving of Fr. Xavier James on his Birthday.

On the Birthday

Today as I complete 39 years in the world and step into 40 I bow my head in prayer and thanksgiving to God for the beautiful life He has given to me. I am grateful to the Lord for the many good people He has blessed me with in my life. I am thankful for the many good things that have happened in my life. With the Psalmist I too extol the Lord in saying “I thank you for the wonder of my being” (Ps.139:14). I thank Jesus for though I was unworthy, He still chose me and appointed me as Priest to do His will and the will of the Father. That is why I chose my motto: “To be with Him and to be with them”.  I am grateful to the Holy Spirit for the indwelling presence in me and also keeping me enthusiastic, energetic and cheerful to spread the joy which he gives to me and to all who come in contact with me. I always feel the motherly help of our Blessed Virgin Mary and whenever I want to pray, her prayer is always on my lips.  I enjoy the warmth and affection of our Blessed Mother every moment in my life. She motivates me to be more humble, obedient and charitable to others.  I thank St. Joseph too who always inspires me to work hard and helps me to be caretaker of the people entrusted to me by God through my Archbishop. I am grateful to his intercessions because I was ordained on his feast day.

After being in the educational ministry in the schools and boardings, also being in socio-pastoral ministry in parishes, I thank the Lord for giving this new task of beginning a new mission in this unknown vicinity. I feel contented besides the activities I undertake for this mission, I also give more time for my growth as person. Through the Grace of God I have enough time to pray whether it is the Office of the Church, reciting the Holy Rosary, celebrating the Eucharist, Personal prayer and reflection. I do all these with joy in my heart and with conviction. I am what I am through my relationship with Jesus and the strength He gives me or else I am nobody. I also find time to read and prepare proper sermons and talks which help me first and also many people. I could be creative and use my novelty to be effective pastor and preacher of the Word of God and also animator of the worshiping community. I thank you all for coming into my life and encouraging me.  I will continue to serve you and be an instrument in the precious hands of the Lord. (Xavier James on the 12^th Jan 2014)

Birthday Eucharist & Celebrations in Siddhpur Mission on 12th January 2014

Christmas celebration in Siddhpur Mission in 2013.

Christmas celebration in Siddhpur Mission

The lighting of Advent candles and animation of the Liturgy by different families marked the beginning of the proximate preparation for Christmas in Siddhpur Parish. All the faithful took part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for preparing themselves for the coming of the Lord. The carol group of the Parish went around caroling with Santa spreading the Christmas message to the Catholic families through prayers and Scripture readings. Martin & Philip Fernandes, the vibrant youth of our parish prepared a crib on a boat to symbolize our faith journey. Christmas midnight Eucharist was celebrated with grandeur. Before the Eucharist Fr. Xavier James explained the symbols in the celebration and catechized everyone about the importance of the Year of the Eucharist. Keeping St. John Vianney in mind and his saying on the Eucharist, “Jesus is hidden from our eyes under the humility of His Sacrament to try our Faith”, accordingly each faithful had a flame in their hands which symbolized their faith in the Eucharist and trusting that the same Eucharistic Lord whom we adore in the crib is present in the Holy Eucharist and thus they placed the flame before the altar. After the Eucharist, birthday of two of our parishioners was celebrated and everyone exchanged gifts with their advent friend and it was a very exhilarating moment. On Christmas day festive lunch was served for all the parishioners which was preceded by family games and distribution of Christmas gifts to everyone present. We were fortunate to have our beloved Archbishop with us during this occasion which doubled our joy. In the evening the neighbours of Fr. Xavier James came to wish and the children of the neighbourhood enjoyed games and received a gift which was very thrilling for them. 

On the 31^st December, all the parishioners had gathered again to thank God for the year that went by with hymns and spontaneous prayers and everyone took part in it. One could really experience the praying community of the early Christians. Exactly at 12.00 a.m. on the 1^st of January we began the Holy Eucharist to celebrate the solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God and to welcome the New Year 2014 in a spiritual atmosphere. During the Eucharist, everyone carried a flame and after praying a short prayer they offered it before the altar which gave significance to the Eucharistic year and the New Year.  In the evening a condolence prayer meeting was held to pay our tribute to Fr. Rocky D’silva, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese. (2^nd Jan. 2014)   

Thanksgiving Adoration 31st December 2013 & Welcoming the New Year 1st January 2014 with the Eucharist on the solemnity of the Mother of God in Siddhpur Mission.