Francis Sam
SALMIYA, OCTOBER 04, 2011: The church was adorned, glorious and glittering like a bride in all her grandeur, abuzz with altar boys, Eucharist ministers, Choir and Pastoral helpers, Priests, Nuncio and the Congregation bursting with joy, excitedly getting set for the Festive Mass. Oh yes! It was our Parish Feast on October 1, the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus the patroness of the parish at Salmiya, Kuwait, known as The Church of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.At 6.00 pm, before Holy mass, there was a power point presentation on the life of St. Therese, depicting her earnest desire to be a nun and her way of holiness "The little Way."
At 6.30 pm, with the melodious tunes of the choir singing in honour of St. Therese began the solemn mass procession carrying the statue of St. Therese to the altar. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated with the Salesian Priests, Fr. Francisco Pereira, Fr. Lionel Braganza, Fr. Joy, Fr. Francis and Fr. Blany Pinto. The main celebrant was The Apostolic Nuncio (Holy See), His Grace Archbishop Petr Rajič and his deputy Fr. Ionut Paul Strejac.
His Grace Archbishop Petar Rajič shared an inspiring message in the Homily on being like a child. He said being like a child is to trust and be dependent on God and love Him. In loving those around us we express our love for God, just as St. Therese did little things for God. The Eucharist was animated with harmonious singing by the choir and a grand offertory procession. The Parish Priest Fr. Pinto amidst hearty applause profusely thanked all the celebrants, the congregation, the church service ministries and helpers for their selfless services to the church.
Cake was distributed to the entire congregation at the end of the mass. The entire courtyard of the church was bustling with the parishioners cheerfully wishing each other. With the throngs of people who attended the festive mass the air was thick with the warmth of love so special at the Parish of St. Therese, Salmiya.