BIS #1606 ANNUAL CHURCH FAIR

AHMEDNAGAR, NOVEMBER 3, 2009: Approximately 3,526 Catholics ( not including 22 stall owners and those also pilgrims of other traditions) attended the Eucharist on the occasion of the Feast of Mary in St. Anne’s Parish, Ahmednagar on October 31, 2009. Fr. Elias D’Cunha, the administrator of Pius X seminary Goregaon was the principal celebrant of the evening Eucharist. Fr. Antony Phillip, the Dean was the con-celebrant together with six anointed Salesians. Earlier Fr. Phillip officiated at the Mass for the sick at 12 noon which was a new feature of this year’s happening. The Visitor Fr. Elias D’Cunha, preached a short inspiring sermon evoking devotion to Mass. At the end of the Mass, he personally congratulated the choir, the peaceful and prayer- filled gathering, and the Salesians for their pioneering grass root action in the lives of the people of the area.

Until the end of the Mass, the people maintained a peaceful silence and grateful atmosphere and then began the fair (Yatra), which is tradition of the place. 22 stalls were erected where religious articles and icons were sold. There were a few food stalls as well. The Women of the parish (Mahila Mandals) cooked and sold biryani and other snacks thus showing solidarity with the festival.

During the latter part of the night, the ‘Praise and worship’ took over entertaining our people with religious songs and catchy tunes. The night ended late as many people stayed on to chat and catch up with their fellow Christians. The success of the event went to Fr. Anton and his collaborators who did planned the event meticulously.