St. Francis Xavier Ward celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Monthi Feast, on a Saturday, 23rd September, 2017, with great joy in a traditional way at the Community Hall of the Royal Residency apartments. The venue was hosted by Drs. Rithesh and Shannon D’Cunha.
Infant Mary’s statue was adorned with flowers and lights. The celebration started at 7pm. Our Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Valerian D’Souza and the Vice Principal of Milagres High School, Rev Fr. Maxim D’Souza, arrived on time and we were delighted with their presence. There were 70 members present including children. Ward Gurkarn, Cecilia, welcomed the gathering. Joyce D’Souza compered the program; Maria Lewis and Wilma Andrade conducted the prayers along with other members; starting with the Angelus, thereafter Prasthavan, hymn – Moriyek Hogolsia, Word of God, Reflection, Prayers of the faithful and thanks -giving Prayer to Infant Mary.
After the novena prayers, flowers were offered to Infant Mary one by one while singing the hymn ‘‘sakkad sangathamelya’. A prayer of Thanksgiving was said before receiving the roce drink mixed with new corn in a traditional way. All the members participated with great devotion.
After the first part of the program refreshments were served and games were conducted by the Core Committee members for children and adults which had full participation, followed by a game of housie.
Fr. Valerian, our Parish Priest, gave us his message that besides having outward celebrations, we must also live the life of Mother Mary, our mother, and walk in her footsteps and be good Christians by caring and sharing and mingling with each other as one family. Father praised the team spirit of our Ward.
Fr. Maxim prayed grace before meals and the celebration ended with a fellowship meal. Maria Lewis thanked the gathering and Wilma Andrade, ward member, program ended at 10 p.m.
There was joy as each one experienced a spirit of unity celebrating the Monthi Feast as one family of St. Francis Xavier Ward!
Cecilia Pereira
Gurkarn
St. Francis Xavier Ward