On September 15, 2024, the Christ the King Ward came together to celebrate the Feast of Nativity at the residence of Mr. Peter Monteiro. The gathering commenced at 12:00 PM, with Mrs. Shanthi Dsouza warmly welcoming all the attendees. The celebration began with a prayer, followed by a reflective sermon delivered by Father Ashok, focusing on the word of God. The ward members brought fresh flowers, which were offered to Infant Mary as a gesture of devotion.
An integral part of the ceremony involved the blessed grains of paddy. These grains were peeled, crushed, and mixed with milk. This mixture was then consumed with prayers, symbolizing a hopeful plea for sustenance and the prevention of starvation throughout the year. This traditional act was performed with deep reverence, highlighting the community's faith and cultural heritage.
The celebration also paid homage to the teachers within the ward in recognition of Teacher’s Day. The ward members extended their best wishes and gratitude to the educators, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to society.
In addition to these, the gathering celebrated the 49th birthday of our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Anil Prakash D’silva. This was a moment of joy and appreciation for Fr. Anil, who has been a spiritual guide and leader for the community. The attendees also took the opportunity to wish all the ward members who have birthdays in the month of September.
Each ward member prepared a dish at home and brought it to the celebration, creating a diverse and sumptuous spread. Fr. Anil blessed the food, and the members shared the festive meal with great joy and camaraderie. The children of the ward added to the festive spirit by entertaining the gathering with their delightful dance performances. Their enthusiasm and energy were infectious, bringing smiles to the faces of all present.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Babitha Icil D’souza. Mrs. Jecintha D’souza served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, ensuring the smooth flow of the celebration. The ward head, Mrs. Vanitha Menterio, along with ward representative Mr. Praveen Noel Monteiro and Mrs. Jecintha D’souza, played a pivotal role in organizing the event. Their dedication and efforts were evident in the seamless execution of the celebration, which was marked by love and joy.
The Feast of Nativity celebration at Christ the King Ward was a beautiful amalgamation of faith, tradition, and community spirit. It was a day filled with prayer, gratitude, and togetherness, leaving lasting memories for all who attended.