BIS Mumbai
BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3188
BEHOLD THE MAIDS OF THE LORD
Gaspar Baptista
NORTHERN ARABIAN VICARIATE, OCTOBER 20, 2012 : Of the many outreach events organized by the parish Youth of St. 
Therese, in the Northern Arabian Vicariate, ‘The Maids Day’ was celebrated on Friday, 19 October 2012. The programme began with a mass at 12 noon for the domestic maids. The penitential service had a situational touch to it. Salmiya Parish Youth members enacted the various situations faced by our brothers and sisters while carrying out their daily duties. The maids took an active part in the liturgy by becoming lectors, reading the prayer of the faithful and the offertory prayers. In his homily, Fr. Lionel Braganza addressed the 172 participants as the ‘Society of the Second Mile, encouraging them to do that little extra and adding a touch of smile to it.
Briefly addressing our brothers and sisters employed mainly in homes, His Lordship Bishop Camilo Ballin, the Apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia, praised such initiatives organized by the parish. He appreciated the maids for coming in large numbers and requested the parish to hold more functions for the maids. He advised them to work for good, as well as bad masters in the same way i.e. by giving their best.
The parish priest accorded a warm welcome and with that began the lighter moments of the day. A well-choreographed musical march was in place with interactive icebreakers, followed by some lively action songs. Later snacks were served followed by games for the participants. A lively action song preceded a fashion parade that saw a winning couple viz. Rita and Samuel being awarded the best couple. A much awaited and lively dancing session brought the young and the old to the floor adding fun to the afternoon, while spot prizes added the surprise element throughout.
A video on the day in the life of Nick Vujicic, a man born without hands and legs was screened. Fr. Lionel commented on video clipping by advising all that we should have faith in Jesus Christ and it is He 
who gives us the power to rise and get up when we fall. This was followed by a sumptuous lunch buffet.
Fr. Blany Pinto, in his vote of thanks appreciated Fr. Lionel the priest in-charge, Gaspar Baptista the youth Animator and all the youth members who worked tirelessly for many days to ensure that the maids have a memorable and refreshing time. The event finally ended with each and every one receiving a very personalized gift hamper.
The event which was entrusted to the vibrant Salmiya Parish Youth was very well conceptualized, themed, and organized, by taking care of all the details, in the décor (a serene heavenly ambience was created), Choir, Eucharistic celebration, games, action songs, presentations, a buffet lunch, spot prizes and gift hampers for all. This event was sponsored by ‘Operation Hope’, & many generous parishioners. God bless them.
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