by Rajendra Parmar
GUJARAT, AUGUST 6, 2018: Youth attending catechism class from Christ the King parish Dakor, Gujarat, celebrated Parents day on July 29, the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne.
The feast was celebrated on a Sunday morning in the parish, to encourage active participation from both children and parents. Assistant Parish Priest, Father Lorenzo D'Souza celebrated the Holy Eucharist and gave special blessings to the parents.
Deacon Justus Mendis, in his sermon, used the example of the generous boy in the Gospel and emphasised on the importance of an attitude of giving, even if it meant a small quantity, because that led to the miracle of feeding the five thousand. He appreciated the parents for being live examples in being generous, in giving to their children.
After the Holy Eucharist, the parents were felicitated in the church hall. Father D'Souza led the parents towards the stage. The students then gave their parents hand-made cards and a flower as a sign of respect and worship in their culture.
Father D'souza in his speech, spoke about the unique and tender role of parents in the formation of their children. His message was appreciated by those present. It enlightened the parents, of their role of parenting, in today's world. Parmar, a father, said, "In today's world to be a parent also means to be a friend and a good counsellor to my kids."
The students, in their address, thanked their parents for being so good and being their light. Finally a blessing song was sung by the children, stretching their hands over the parents, as a sign of blessing.