Siddhpur parish updates

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 9^th 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 12^th 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 21^st July 2015, Mr. Sylvester D’souza, father of Ms. Priya Pinto died and the Month’s mind was observed on 23^rd 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 26^th 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 9^th 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 15^th August 2015 in the new school premises of St. Xavier’s, Umru-Siddhpur. (Fr. Xavier James)