Bento D’Souza sdb
AHMEDNAGAR, JULY 28, 2009: During the single mass of the day, at 10.00 a.m. on July 26, 2009, the community of St Anne’s parish, Ahmednagar gathered t
ogether to celebrate the feast of its Patron, St Anne. Fr Joe Gonsalves from Vasai was the chief celebrant and preached a homily relevant to the lives of the people. During the Mass, the couples of the Parish exchanged wedding vows and renewed their commitment to each other. The church was filled to capacity and the singing by the children directed by Ms. Ida gave expression to the festive mood prevalent on the occasion.
After the celebration of the Eucharist, snacks 
were distributed. A cultural celebration followed. Sacred Heart convent boarders performed a dance and the children sang action songs. A housie was conducted by Bro Rickson Nigrel. The students who performed well in their Xth and XIIth standard examinations were awarded and felicitated by the parish. The whole idea of granting cash awards to those who performed well was given by the laypeople as well as the sponsored donations gifted to them. The clergy and religious sisters of the area were invited to an agape meal.
The build up to the feast took place in the form of a triduum. On the first day, the students and teachers of the parish animated the Liturgy. On the second day, the DB community college, the Patpedi and the Small Christian Communities took the initiative in animating the celebration of the Mass. On the final day, the mass of the sick began with the blessing of the sick and prayer for healing. Congrats to the Parish Priest, Fr. Anton D’Souza for smoothly guiding the people of God into another moment of Grace, the parish festival of freedom.