BIS # 3777 CLOSE OF THE FAITH-YEAR & CHRIST THE KING PROCESSION

by Bento D'Souza

BHINGAR- AHMEDNAGAR, NOVEMBER 28, 2013: A special celebration animated by a core group of the laity of the St. John the Baptist, Bhingar Parish, under the leadership of Joe and Shobha Patole,  was held to mark the end of the Year of faith and the feast of Christ the King at 8.am on Sunday, 24th November 2013.

Beginning with an adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the procession from the priest's residence to the main church was followed by the celebration of the Eucharist. The main celebrant was Bishop of Nashik, Rt. Rev.Daniel Lourdes. The couples of the parish offered a variety of Offertory symbols, a crown, image of a sheep, a crucifix, a  thermocol house, a piece of rock, and the sacred offerings for the celebration.

The theme of the celebration was 'go, grow, glow' an inspiring testimony was shared by Shobha and Joe Patole on their growth in the past year of faith as a family, took place after communion. At the end of the mass, a commissioning ceremony was held and the adults in church all lit & placed wax diyas on the map of India representing themselves as lights to serve the people of India as disciples of Guru Jesus.

The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continued right through the day in groups concluding with English Mass at 5.00 pm. It was truly fitting way of concluding the year of faith and celebrate the feast of Christ the King. It was a grand climax to the year of faith celebrated and the credit goes to the lay baptised people making Bhingar a pro-active and vibrant parish.