by Georgina D'souza
KUWAIT, MAY 1, 2017: A thanksgiving holy Mass and fellowship programme was organised on April 27 at the parish of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Kuwait, for the 
class 10 and 12 students who recently appeared for their board examinations. The event was organised by the Salesian Cooperators for over 50 students.
The evening commenced with the celebration of the holy Eucharist by Father Franco Pereira, who cited the example of the ten lepers that Jesus cured and yet it was only one grateful from among them, who came back to thank Jesus. The example helped the youth understand the importance of thanking the Lord in every circumstance. He invited all the students to express their gratitude to God for all their blessings and gifts.
The students then moved to the courtyard for a fellowship programme. Parish Priest, Father Blany Pinto directed their attention to the challenges of peer pressure and the importance of making the right choices. He encouraged them to enroll in parish youth groups and stay connected to the Church and parish activities wherever they go to pursue further studies.
Tara Ann Mathew said, "It was a beautiful experience where I was able to relax, have fun, meet lovely people and be thankful as I thoroughly enjoyed myself. God bless our parish and all the efforts of so many hardworking people that was clearly visible, this evening".
"It was a moment to cherish. The feeling of being loved and more importantly, it gave us all an opportunity to give thanks to the Almighty for bringing us together for all the good done," Vanaida Castelino said.
At the fellowship the youth and the organisers interacted, played games, danced and shared a meal. It was a memorable evening aimed at encouraging the youth to develop an attitude of gratitude.