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EVENTS:

Christmas Tree Celebration - 2021

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:14

Christmas gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us, for Christmas is a tradition time – the tradition that recalls the precious memories down the years, the likeness of them all. With these thoughts in mind, Christmas celebration was held at St. Dominic Church, Ashoknagar on 18th December, 2021.

The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist at 4 p.m. celebrated by Rev. Fr Lancy Lobo and concelebrated by all the Dominican Priests of the seminary. After the mass, a well planned and meaningful cultural programme was being showcased by the Catechism Children, Parishioners and St. Dominic community brothers.

The programme commenced with a beautiful prayer dance performed by the postulants of St. Joseph Tarbes Convent and Dominican Convent. Then the Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council Mr. Maxim Crasta formally welcomed all the guests and the parishioners, after which PRATIBHA PURASKAR 2021 for the Parish children who had scored highest marks in their respective examination and excelled in academics were honoured, by the guest of the evening Rev. Fr.Lancy Lobo, the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Daniel Veigas OP, and Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Dileep Veigas. On this occasion, Fr. Praveen Monteiro OP, who completed LLB with distinction, was also felicitated. Mrs. Deborah Locker, the Coordinator of all Associations, read out the list of achievers.

After the felicitation programme, Christmas bells rang and the joy was spread all over the church campus. The evening was colourful with a number of attractive and meaningful cultural programme. The catechism children proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ birth to all gathered through a tableau coordinated by Mrs. Joan Vas and all the catechism teachers. YCS students performed a small skit through which they conveyed a wonderful message of sharing and caring, under the guidance of their animators Mrs. Deborah Locker and Mr. Suraj Nunes.

A special bliss was added to the programme when the parishioners danced to the tune of lovely music irrespective of their age. Dance performance by the ‘Young in Spirit’ ladies Nisha Cutinha and Team and Jane Misquith and Team mesmerized the audience. Hats off to Mrs. Noreen Pinto, the Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council who ably coordinated these dances. At the same time the wonderful performance by the brothers of St. Dominic Seminary was highly appreciated which showed their solidarity with the Parish. As usual, ICYM members of the Parish were lively on stage with their awesome dance performance under the leadership of Preethisha Menezes. All the parishioners tapped their feet when three lovely couples Francis – Maria, Prakash – Wilma and Paul and Veena put up a wonderful couple dance. At the end a comedy skit was enacted by Mr. Ronald Colaco, Ms. Juliana Crasta and Mr. Pradeep Fernandes, which enhanced the joy and happiness of all present.

Last but not the least, arrival of Santa was the attraction of the celebration who danced to the tune of Jingle Bell along with the children and the Parishioners. The live music and singing under the leadership of Mr. Alwyn Menezes, and Mr. Julian D’Souza, kept the spirit of audience alive throughout the evening. All cherished the music and singing even while having the food.

The Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Daniel Veigas OP addressed the Parishioners and thanked everybody for their generosity and love towards the Parish and gave away the Christmas message. The Assistant Parish Priest said the prayer before the meals. Secretary Mrs. Noreen Pinto proposed Vote of Thanks. Mrs. Sujatha Mendonca and Dr. Theresa Nunes compeered the entire programme.