Bento D’Souza sdb
AHMEDNAGAR, OCTOBER 27, 2010: The Feast of Mary was celebrated in front of St. Anne’s Parish with more than four thousand devotees gathering for the celebration. The Eucharist was presided over by Rev.Fr Francis Kharjia, Rector & Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Parish, Yerawada, Pune. The conducive weather and the threat of the last passing monsoon rain showers did not dampen the spirits of the parishioners who came here to thank Mary for the wonders that she works in our lives. The Mass began at 6.30 p.m. with an entrance procession. First came in twenty one flower girls and boys from Pumpkin House all tastefully dressed up who led the procession. Next came sixteen Altar boys and girls who were followed by eight concelebrants & the President of the Eucharist.
Fr Francis preached a relevant and touching homily stressing on relationships between parents and children. This was appreciated by all. After the Eucharist, there was a short satkar and dance performance by the catechism children. The religious and clergy were then given a festive supper and the rest of the crowd attended a colorful Yatra late into the night as is the tradition of the area. The faithful went home consoled by the presence and benevolence of Mary at work in the life of society. With this feast celebrated in style, the devotion to Mary in St Anne’s reached new heights unprecedented in the past feasts, in terms of superb organization by the Animator, Fr. Thomas D’Costa and peaceful prayerfulness of the community who attended the proceedings.
Truly, the festival is a celebration of freedom. Old enmities were forgotten and forgiven, new friendships forged and formed & all united in a common cause of promoting devotion to Mary and seeing what miracles she works.