BIS # 3607 PREPARING THE WAY FOR THE NEW ARRIVAL

by Amira Peter 

 

NORTH ARABIAN VICARIATE, AUGUST 2, 2013: On 25th July 2013, the Family Ministry of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus Parish in the North Arabian Vicariate organized a special program for all expectant parents. It was attended by about 27 expecting couples. Some were accompanied by the grandparents and siblings of the expectant baby.

The program began with a special mass celebrated by the Parish Priest, Fr. Blany Pinto. A special liturgy was prepared for the expecting parents. In his homily, Fr. Blany highlighted the value of the gift of life and procreation…it's definitely not something we should take for granted. He also encouraged the couples to build a set of family values that can be passed on through their loving and living examples. After mass, Fr. Blany personally blessed each couple and handed over a special prayer and scapula.

After a light snack Dr. Milania Jacob, a leading physiotherapist in Kuwait, delivered a brief presentation on the physical, psychological and social changes that a woman and her family can expect to experience during this time. While increasing their awareness, new dads were also given some tips on supporting their wives as they prepare themselves together for the arrival of the little one. Two recent dads – Rohan D'souza and Arun D'souza shared their own joys and challenges providing comfort and encouragement to the expecting dads.

After the presentation, Dr. Milania demonstrated some prenatal and post natal exercises to help ease some of the discomfort and strengthen muscle tone.

All this while, in a separate room, Chrisma Pereira a children's volunteer of the Family Ministry had organized some light entertainment for the children.

The expecting parents were extremely appreciative of the thoughtful and relevant initiative of the Family Ministry, leaving with a valuable piece of advice shared by Arun, "always remember you are a couple first and a parent next. So try and do something special for your wife from time to time."

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." Ps 127:3.