Oscar Lobo
PUNE, NOVEMBER 30, 2011: A very colourful and vibrant Altar Server's Rally was held in our parish, Sacred Heart, Yerwada (Pune), the main theme being BE ROOTED IN JESUS CHRIST.
We were blessed with the presence of Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial of Mumbai Province, who was the main celebrant and guest of honour.
We were blessed with the presence of Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial of Mumbai Province, who was the main celebrant and guest of honour.
Altogether there were more than two hundred and forty three participants, from every home, all those who received communion, right up to Class IX were considered God's servers. The Youth of the parish in collaboration with Fr. Anthony Goyal organised various types of games and conducted sessions, for the participants.
It was heartening to note that there was active participation of Salesian Co-operators who sponsored the breakfast and evening tea, and the Legion of Mary group who volunteered to take charge of the registration desk. Benefactors sponsored the afternoon meal. There were many who also contributed their mite but wished to remain anonymous.The feast of Christ the King was solemnized with a grand procession with participation of hundreds of people. The main celebrant Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial of Mumbai Province, carried the Blessed Sacrament in an open jeep in the middle of the girls dressed up in white like angels. The solemn blessing was given on the school ground amid the bursting of crackers and releasing of gas balloons.
The SHY group animated all the way from the church to the ground, with their melodious singing and praising God. Small children of the orphanage did the singing for the concluding Mass.
This is the third very successful event, in a very short span of time, after Fr. Anton D'Souza took charge as Parish Priest in August 2011. We are very privileged to have this dynamic, well organised and energetic young priest to lead us, and we cant thank God enough for Fr. Anton's presence in the parish.
Thanks to Fr. Anton's motivation, all the parish council members guided the children and made their presence felt all through the day. All the children who participated in the rally were gifted a T SHIRT with the word ROOTED printed on it.