The
First Sacrament of Baptism in Siddhpur Parish
As
the Parish Priest was going to take shelter in the new school building at Umru,
Siddhpur, Parent of a child was getting ready to baptize their child into the
Catholic Faith. The parent and Godparent had to undergo pre-baptismal
instructions which enabled the child to be baptized in the Catholic Church. His
Grace Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes was very kind to come over to Siddhpur to
reach Fr. Xavier James to the new residence. It was on the solemnity of the
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus that the Archbishop presided over the solemn
Eucharistic celebration and baptized Salvio Fernandes. This marks the first child
baptism in the parish. This took place in the new chapel in St. Xavier’s
School. After the Eucharistic celebration, the Archbishop was honoured and
thanked for erecting Siddhpur parish and all that he has done in the
Archdiocese. After consecrating the families to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
everyone shared the fellowship meal prepared by Martin and Esther Fernandes.
Siddhpur
updates
On
9th June 2015, the whole Catholic community was busy in taking care
of Mr. John Baptist Braganza at Siddhpur Civil hospital and at home. He,
however, left for his heavenly reward and the whole community was involved in
bidding him a final farewell at the Church and cemetery of Palanpur. The
community is grateful to Fr. Nelson D’souza and Fr. Shankar Dodiyar for
conducting the funeral and burial. On 12th July 2015, the month’s
mind mass for the soul of Late Mr. John Baptist Braganza was organized at
Siddhpur and people who knew Uncle John had come to participate in it from
Siddhpur and Palanpur. Thereafter the fellowship meal was shared by all who had
come. On 21st July 2015, Mr. Sylvester D’souza, father of Ms. Priya
Pinto died and the Month’s mind was observed on 23rd August 2015
with the Holy Eucharist and breakfast for all. The family was very much touched
by the support of the Catholic community in alien vicinity.
On
26th July 2015, parent’s day was celebrated at Siddhpur parish with
children sharing the goodness of their parents. It is good to tell the parents
when they are living, that they are loved and respected rather than honouring
them after their death.
On
9th August 2015, Vianney Sunday was celebrated at Siddhpur parish
and people animated the liturgy with spontaneous prayers for priests who
touched their lives at different stages, right from Baptism till date. To extend
the joy, the community was ready to accommodate the Hindu brothers and sisters
who have helped the institution for the past 3 years. It was the ‘good will
appreciation group’ with around 60 people who participated in it. There were
games and meals for all. It was a memorable event at Umru School building.
It
was the first time in history, that our National Flag was hoisted on 15th
August 2015 in the new school premises of St. Xavier’s, Umru-Siddhpur. (Fr.
Xavier James)
