by Avril Baptista
MUMBAI, JULY 30, 2018: Children of all ages from Saint Dominic Savio Parish, Wadala, marked Parents’ Day – the Feast Day of Saints Joachim and Anne - on July 29, with a special event honouring the parents of Mother Mary, and their own parents.
In a first of its kind, the parish celebrated the feast on a Sunday morning to encourage active participation of both children and parents. Parish Priest Father Savio D’Souza celebrated the holy Eucharist with a meaningful sermon, skilfully connecting Parents’ Day to the Gospel of the day. This was followed by a programme in the church hall for the parents.
A psychedelic back drop welcomed the parishioners. The tiny tots, resplendent in red, welcomed the parents with a song dedicated to them. This was followed by different types of musical performances, by children of all ages, including the youth.
At intervals, there were innovative spot prizes, making the event interactive with the parents, who sportingly played along. Father D’Souza, in his speech, applauded the parents for supporting their children, keeping the parish vibrant and dynamic. He also encouraged them to stay strong during the difficult phases of adolescence and teenage, as their children grew up. His message was well received and appreciated by all present.
Later, again in a first, the children who excelled in the board exams were felicitated along with their parents to encourage others to emulate them. A gesture to encourage them, to show that with a little more effort, hard work can definitely pay off.
It seemed for a day that parents were children and the children behaved as adults. As one parent aptly said, “Through the year we are subject to brickbats from the children. It is nice to be on the receiving side of gratitude, basking in all this love and admiration, I guess we are doing something right in the end.”
In a first of its kind, the parish celebrated the feast on a Sunday morning to encourage active participation of both children and parents. Parish Priest Father Savio D’Souza celebrated the holy Eucharist with a meaningful sermon, skilfully connecting Parents’ Day to the Gospel of the day. This was followed by a programme in the church hall for the parents.
A psychedelic back drop welcomed the parishioners. The tiny tots, resplendent in red, welcomed the parents with a song dedicated to them. This was followed by different types of musical performances, by children of all ages, including the youth.
Later, again in a first, the children who excelled in the board exams were felicitated along with their parents to encourage others to emulate them. A gesture to encourage them, to show that with a little more effort, hard work can definitely pay off.It seemed for a day that parents were children and the children behaved as adults. As one parent aptly said, “Through the year we are subject to brickbats from the children. It is nice to be on the receiving side of gratitude, basking in all this love and admiration, I guess we are doing something right in the end.”