BIS Mumbai
BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE #3165
SPECIAL CHILDREN – GOD’S MESSENGERS
MERYL D’LIMA
NORTHERN ARABIAN VICARIATE, OCTOBER 09, 2012 : Faith and Light community was born in 1971 in France out of a desire to help people with an intellectual 
disability (special needs and physically challenged, children and adults) and their families find their place within the church and society. It was founded by Jean Vanier and Marie- Helene Mathieu. A person with an intellectual disability is recognized as a unique person, who awakens in us basic human values of listening, helping, respecting others, etc. The Faith and Light Community meets to share joys and sorrows of those in “special need”; it is a Community of prayer and of celebration. In this Community, persons with intellectual disabilities are surrounded by their parents, brothers, sisters, friends and a priest (each community has a spiritual guide).
The Faith and Light Community of Northern Arabian Vicariate gathered together in prayer to celebrate the Holy Eucharist 
on Thursday, October 04, 2012 inviting all the families of persons with intellectual disabilities, friends, and people working with them to celebrate God's love. The Eucharistic Celebration was very well organized with Altar servers, Eucharistic Minister, attending choir, prayer of the Faithful and offertory procession, etc. Both the spiritual Animators of the Faith and Light Community in Fr Angelos Masoud and Fr Joy Marangattikala were present for the Eucharistic Celebration as well as the fellowship gathering after the Mass.
Fr. Joy in his homily explained the saying of Jesus that "unless you become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" Mt.18:3. From his 
personal experience, Father explained how the children who are physically and mentally challenged are very special. He added that they have been special messengers of the loving presence of God in difficult moments of his life. He also gave examples how some of the children of Faith and Light Community brought the parents and other family members closer to God. More than teaching them it is we who have to learn from these children as they and their angels are constantly in the presence of God. After the Holy Mass, a get-together was organized for all those present.
On the following day, the Parish celebrated its Parish Feast. So, the Faith and Light Community gathered once again to pin flowers on all the parishioners before each mass, to raise funds for the various activities of the Community.
The parish expresses its deep love and concern for the Community by organizing catechism classes every Friday morning from 10 to 11.15 am for the special children. We have 9 teachers and some are qualified teachers of special children. One of these teachers has even prepared a special syllabus for those preparing to receive the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation.
We are truly blessed and believe that we are loved by God Forever.
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