Parish Day is the occasion to express fraternity and brotherhood among the parishioners. Throughout the year we have several special occasions, both religious and cultural. On such days the mood around the church premises is jubilant. Every member of the parish contributes in his/her own way for the success of the occasion. Since the past few months elaborate planning and preparations were underway for the Parish Day to be celebrated on 28th January 2024.
And when the day arrived, there was a sense of joy in the hearts of the parishioners. The jubilations began with the celebration of Holy Eucharist by Rev. Fr William Menezes at 7.30 a.m. After the mass, the young and old assembled at Guardian Angel Higher Primary School with their kitchen tools for the preparation of the fellowship meal. While some chopped vegetables, others were busy at the meat counters; still others lent their hand in scraping and grinding coconuts. As the ingredients were getting ready, cooking ensued. The veterans of cooking assisted the Chef in the preparation and the food was ready by noon.
After the 9.30 a.m. mass, another group – despite the scorching sun – quickly arranged the chairs in the church premises for the evening programme.
Finally, the long awaited moment arrived. The cultural programme began at 5.45 p.m. with the religious sisters of the four convents of the Parish invoking the blessings of God with a prayer song. Rev. Sr Jacintha Saldanha, the Superior of Western Province of St. Ann’s Providence, was the Chief Guest, who was felicitated on being appointed Superior. Ms. Lavita D’Souza was felicitated for her exceptional achievement in the field of education. The sponsors of the programme and the parishioners who toiled for the success of the programme were also honoured. Rev. Fr William Menezes, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Jerald Francis Pinto, Socius Priest; Mr. Paul Rodrigues, Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council; Mrs. Lolina D’Souza, Secretary of PPC; Ms. Renita Menezes, Coordinator of 21 Pastoral Commissions; Rev. Sr Jacintha Saldanha, Chief Guest; and Mrs. Jyothi Dias, Convener of Small Christian Communities were present on the Dais.
After the formal programme, a variety of cultural programmes ensued. Eight groups representing 21 wards of the Parish and the religious sisters presented a variety of programmes comprising songs, dances, skits, and comedies. Angelore is known in the Diocese as the treasure trove of talent. “Proof of the pudding is in the eating” is an old adage and proof of the talent of Angeloreans was in watching their performance on stage, which was nothing short of breathtaking.
The grand event concluded with fellowship meal prepared by the parishioners. As the parishioners relished their meal, the youth entertained them with songs and dances.
Mrs. Jane D’Souza, Mrs. Avitha Misquith, and Mr. Sujan Albuquerque compèred the formal programme and Mr. Rixon Lewis, Mr. Jeethan D’Souza, and Ms. Iyola D’Silva compèred the cultural programme.
Photography: Master Neil Kenneth Fernandes, Mr. Deeron Crasta and Mr. Neilesh Rasquinha
