By Sister Rosaline Pereira
MUMBAI, JULY 24, 2018: Sunday school children from Our Lady of Dolours Parish, in Wadala, solemnised the Eucharistic Celebration on July 21, remembering Saint Joachim and Saint Ann, the parents of Mother Mary.
Children from standard nine marked the special Parents' Day celebrations. There was a well-animated introduction, symbolically depicting the acceptance, appreciation and gratitude for the parents and the children in the family. The children acted out the penitential rite. Father Vivian D'Souza, the parish priest, was main the main celebrant, who in his homily spoke about the 'role of the parents in the family'.
After the Eucharistic celebration, all gathered in the school hall for a short programme. Father D'Souza welcomed the Chief Guest Father Rosario and Guests of Honour Allan and Audrey Rebello, followed by floral tributes to the chief guest and the guests of honour.
The children of the primary section welcomed their parents by singing a melodious song. This was followed by standards seven and eight staging a skit entitled, 'The dilemma the children go through'; it enabled all to reflect on how peer pressure affects children, yet they could be helped by the unconditional acceptance of their parents.
Standards five and six performed a dance. The confirmation students expressed their gratitude to their parents by singing the song 'You raised me up'. Father Rosario, in his address, highlighted how parents often sacrifice their entire life for their children. Therefore, they need to be respected and appreciated.
The high point of the programme was an emotional shadow play by youth of the parish that helped the children realise the need to cherish every moment with their parents since life is unpredictable. The shadow play brought tears to many an eye.
The programme came to a close with the youth organising a few games for the parents. Parents and parishioners appreciated how well the entire event was co-ordinated by the catechists – most of whom are youth. The talent, efficiency and responsibility shown by them was heartening and something to be proud of.