by Br. Pawanjit Singh sdb
DEVLALI-NASHIK, AUGUST 16, 2014: The parishioners of St. Patrick's Parish Devlali, Nashik, celebrated Vianney Sunday on August 10, 2014. St. John Vianney, whose feast is commemorated on 
August 4, is the Patron Saint of the parish priests. Keeping this in mind, the Parish Council and St. Vincent De Paul Society of the parish organized a solemn Eucharist and a felicitation programme after the Mass.
The Mass began with an introduction elaborating the purpose of Vianney Sunday. The congregation was invited to pray in a very special way for Fr. Nolasco Gomes, the Parish priest, Fr. Sandeep the Assistant Parish priest, and the two Salesian clerics who come to the parish for their Sunday ministry. Fr. Nolasco Gomes who was the main celebrant asked the people to pray for all the priests who are chosen for a greater task. He also said that the priests need the prayers of the people which would sustain them. A special prayer of the faithful and thanksgiving were offered.
After this spiritual union, the Parish Council members felicitated the priests and two clerics. Mr. Robin Xavier, the president of St. Vincent de Paul society spoke on behalf of the people. In his address he highlighted the role that the parish priest, the assistant parish priest and the brother's play in the well-being of the parish community. There was also the cake cutting ceremony which was followed by the presentation of gifts to them. Refreshment was provided to the parishioners after the programme.
This event was a gesture of gratitude and love for the priests and those aspiring to be priests. People sincerely acknowledged the contribution the priests made in their lives. There was a lot of enthusiasm and good will among the parish community which was manifested in a concrete manner on this day.