Following the flag hoisting, Fr Richard Coelho led the Eucharistic Adoration and prayed for the intentions of all devotees. He then celebrated the First Day Novena Mass at 11.30 a.m. Preaching on the theme, “Children are the Fruits of the Kingdom of God,” he urged parents to bring their children to church regularly so that they may experience God’s love and presence. He reminded parents that children are precious gifts from God and should be nurtured in faith and Christian values.

The faithful also received blessings through the sprinkling of holy water and anointing. The morning choir was led by the Paldane Parish Choir, while the liturgy was jointly conducted by the parishioners of Paldane and Bondel. A fellowship meal was served to all devotees after the morning Mass.

The evening Adoration at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Eucharistic Celebration, was presided over by V. Rev. Fr Daniel Veigas, Episcopal Vicar for Religious and Parish Priest of St Dominic Church, Ashok Nagar, as the principal celebrant. He was joined by Rev. Fr Basil Vas, Rector and Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; and Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha as concelebrants.

In his homily, Fr Daniel emphasized that children are precious gifts from God and a true blessing, not a right. He urged the faithful to be grateful to parents, care for children in orphanages, and pray for couples longing to be blessed with children.

Following the Mass, blessed bread was distributed to all the devotees, and special prayers were offered for all children. The evening choir was led by the Kelarai Kids Choir, while the liturgy was conducted by the kids of Kelarai and Bondel Parish.

Photography: Stanley Bantwal

Report Meena Serrao Barboza