Our Church came alive with vibrant celebrations today as the parishioners gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity. The church, adorned with fresh flowers brought by children and parishioners as offerings to Mary, witnessed a heartfelt and joyous ceremony. The Holy Mass, which commenced at 8:15 am, was officiated by Father Anil Prakash D'silva, Father Ashok D'souza, and Father Vineet Vincent Pereira, bringing the community together in prayer and reverence.
Following the Mass, a momentous occasion unfolded as the church's new website was inaugurated. The newly launched site, accessible at www.kokkadachurch.in, aims to strengthen the community's digital presence and provide updated information and resources to the parishioners.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the blessing of newly-harvested paddy stalks. This age-old tradition symbolizes gratitude and the blessing of the harvest. Parishioners each took home a sheaf of the blessed paddy, continuing the custom that marks the Feast of the Nativity.
The festivities extended beyond the spiritual, as the church also held a prize distribution ceremony for winners of various games conducted in honor of the feast. The joy and camaraderie among the parishioners were palpable as winners were celebrated for their participation and enthusiasm.
Capping off the event, the church's choir group treated everyone to an entertaining band performance. Their melodies and rhythms brought an added layer of festivity, leaving the parishioners in high spirits as they concluded the day’s celebrations.
Overall, the Feast of the Nativity at our Church was a blend of tradition, community spirit, and modern advancements, marking another memorable year for the parish.