xavierjames: January 2020

Thursday 9 January 2020

Christmas 2019 at SSSS & CRPF, Gandhinagar

Christmas celebrations at SSSS

SSSS Christmas celebration began with the Holy Eucharist on 24^th December 2019 at Pethapur. After the mass SSSS staff and MSW students who came for internship together went to the Archbishop’s house by singing carols and Santa accompanying them. After wishing His Grace Archbishop and receiving his blessing, all returned to SSSS for games and refreshment. There was so much fun and enjoyment which was a prelude to Christmas. All 25 together decorated the SSSS offices and JVK which proved their team work. Ms. Monica Patel, MSW professor from Mehsana College graced the occasion with her presence and was overjoyed to participate in SSSS Christmas celebrations.

Christmas celebration at CRPF Church, Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar has a Military Camp Church in CRPF campus. Many soldiers and officers from BSF, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and CRPF come over for Sunday Mass and feast day celebrations. For many years our fathers have rendered generous service to this church and personnel. Due to recent scenario, often permission was not granted to enter into the campus to nurture the spiritual needs of our Catholics. After contacting higher officials now the permission is granted. Now there are few Catholic families in the camps, hence we were rethinking of our Christmas celebration. In those days, the DIG of Gandhinagar Mr. Yadav inquired about when we would be going for carol singing. Due to the assurance by DIG, the parishioners were enthused. All the parishioners together cleaned the church and decorated it on 22^nd December 2019 and in the evening went together to spread the Christmas message with carols, Santa, cakes, chocolates etc. The officers were so glad meet the Christian community and wish them. On 24^th December 2019, Christmas Eucharist was celebrated at CRPF Church and over 150 people participated in it. After the Holy Eucharist cake, snacks, coffee served for all the faithful, CRPF officials and other well wishers. It was totally a people’s celebration and all the parishioners participated with much gusto and enthusiasm. Kudos to their tireless works.