Sunday, 3 November 2013

First anniversary of the Trust and Nativity of Our Lady and Onam celebrations in Siddhpur Mission Parish by Xavier James.

As we gladly complete a year of the Trust Registration

Today, on the 20th August 2013, Shital Chhaya Charitable Trust completes one year of its registration at the Asst. Charity commissioner’s office in Patan. So much hard work has been put in and much more running about has been done in order to activate the Trust. Prior to the registration, preparing trust deed and translating, correcting, approving, consulting, clarifying, submitting was done. After the trust registration Obtaining PAN card of the trust, 12AA certificate and opening of an account in the Union Bank of India, preparing an emblem of the trust were important tasks. Thereafter accounts were audited and submitted to the Archbishop, Asst. Charity commissioner, income tax office in Patan and Ahmedabad. Fr. Xavier James was present for all the hearing conducted by Charity commissioner, Income tax officer.

His Grace Archbishop handed over to Fr. Xavier James the xerox copies of the documents of the land and then the Parish Priest went about to survey the land and erect some poles to mark the boundaries of our land at Umru, Siddhpur. As we had the land inside without proper entrance His Grace Archbishop was kind enough to buy a piece of land in order to have access to the existing land. This too took much time, energy, meetings, correspondence, visits, decision making etc. The priest was venturing into the villages for visiting and meeting on account of starting legal aid in this vicinity with the help of Fr. Stanny Jebamalai. Many projects were written and sent to many agencies but hardly any response.

As the priest resides in a rented house so also the liturgical services were conducted in the rented house. With the help of the faithful pastorally we have become vibrant with well prepared liturgy, with effective breaking of the Word and celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgical services. By the grace of God sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Viaticum, anointing of the sick, funeral were celebrated in the parish in the past year. Carols singing in Catholic homes and School, Celebration of Christmas, New year, participation in the way of the cross in different homes, celebration of Holy week added strength to the faith of the believing community. The parish is sustained with the generous donations from the Archbishop, some friends, parishioners. On this day of thanksgiving I gratefully acknowledge the blessings of the Lord and people. I thank our beloved Archbishop for all the assistance to this new parish. We offer every effort to the feet of the Lord. (20th August 2013)

Novena & Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady and Onam celebration

It is being the year of Faith, novena to Our Lady was dedicated to the themes of Mary’s Faith… The parishioners of Siddhpur mission came with much devotion and eagerness  to celebrate the Eucharist and recite the Holy Rosary. On the culmination day of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, the celebration began with solemn festive Eucharist and ended with Agape sponsored by Mr. Joy & Mary. Since it was the ‘monte fest’ the harvest festival among Mangalorian Catholics, special prayers of thanksgiving was offered. One could really feel  the company of our Blessed Mother during these days of coming together.


Onam, the harvest festival of Malayalee Catholics, was celebrated with the Holy Eucharist and meal. Some Hindus who joined the celebration commented that ‘you Catholics really take time off to be together which is a great value in this rapid life style’. Kudos to Mr. Shaji & Susan. In Siddhpur, the number of Catholics is less so it is easy to organize events. People are very co-operative and so many programmes are being planned which strengthens the bond. When one falls sick the whole community is there at the side of the person which brings the tie closer.   

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