by Fr. Cedrick Sankul
SAVEDI-AHMEDNAGAR, JANUARY 5, 2015: The word family has a role to play. Jesus was born in the family of Joseph and Blessed Virgin Mary in 
Bethlehem. Each one of us also has been born in a family. Jesus belongs to us as we are a family in the Church. On December 28, 2014, the St. John Bosco Parish, Savedi, organized a Christmas family get together in its campus for all the parish families to commemorate Holy Family Sunday.
CHRIST – who gives peace and joy to each member of the family was the reason for this gathering. The day started with the solemn Eucharistic celebration at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Fr. Cedrick and homily been preached by the parish priest Fr. Manuel. Fathers Francis, Anthony, newly ordained priests Frs. Kiran, Johnson were the con-celebratant for the mass.
Fr. Manuel preached a very meaningful homily where he stressed that we belong to the church family, the church family
that cares and helps us to be together, and be one with Jesus. The Eucharistic celebration was meaningful with beautiful liturgy and singing. The Eucharist was followed by a warm welcome given by the parish priest who also explained the purpose of this celebration. After this, various games were organized for the different categories like children, youth, women, men, and elderly of the parish.
Various prizes were given to the winners and spot prizes were also awarded. A special prize was awarded to the family present with all its members. Santa Clause was called upon to cheer the spirit of Christmas and to give away the lucky draw prizes to the winners. The retired parishioners were felicitated by the priests for their dedicated work by giving them a shawl and a book on Don Bosco's life each. Later, the Parish Priest blessed the meal which was prepared at home and brought by each
family where each one shared their agape meals. Each parishioner left the place with joy in their hearts.
As the continuation of the Christmas celebration, the next day was a special Eucharistic celebration for the sick members of the parish. It was celebrated by Fr. Manuel Murzello at 11:00 a.m. In his homily he told them about the meaning of Christmas and how baby Jesus came to heal the sicknesses of humanity.
He also stressed about offering all their pains and sicknesses to Jesus. After the mass he anointed all the sick with the oil of infirm and blessed each one of them. A small get together was organized for them. Then they were given rosaries, tea and snacks.