Thursday, 19 March 2015

Siddhpur parish pastoral activities by Fr. Xavier James.

Lent 2015 in Siddhpur

To mark the beginning of Lenten season, the faithful of Siddhpur parish gathered in the evening of Ash Wednesday for the Holy Eucharist after fasting the whole day. Fr. Robert John Kennedy who has come to the mission celebrated the Holy Eucharist and after the breaking of the Word of God by Fr. Xavier James, Fr. Kennedy blessed and imposed ashes on the forehead. As the faithful departed for home with cross on their forehead, neighbours were inquiring about the significance of it and this was an opportunity for most of us to explain about the season of Lent. Every Friday the stations of the Cross is planned to have in different homes of the faithful.

Fr. Laxman in Siddhpur parish

It was a joy to have Fr. Laxman Koted at Siddhpur a month old priest of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar to celebrate the Holy Eucharist for the vibrant congregation of Siddhpur parish on 15th March 2015. Fr. Laxman lighted the lamp before the beginning of the mass. In his homily he enumerated the comparison of Old Testament with Jesus by assuring God’s love for all. After the exuberant Eucharist, Fr. Laxman was honoured with a shawl and token of love from the parish after which he cut the cake and prayers and wishes were added with it. 

Siddhpur celebrates St. Joseph’s Feast


The solemnity of St. Joseph brought together the Faithful and the Pastor of Siddhpur parish community in the evening to celebrate the solemn feast of St. Joseph. It was with a sense of gratitude each head of the family offered a flower before the image of St. Joseph for protecting his family and to beseech the blessing of the Lord through the intercession of St. Joseph each one lighted the lamp before commencing the Holy Eucharist. People in Siddhpur have special devotion to St. Joseph. It is through the intercession of St. Joseph three of them got good life partners and made good families. Definitely, the prayers of the community assisted a lot. In the homily the community reflected on the words of St. John XXIII namely obedience, silence, acceptance and speaking less with modesty when the need arises as St. Joseph was. After the Eucharist cake was cut by all the husbands and was shared by all. It was indeed a meaningful celebration for the community.