Bengaluru: Christmas is the festival that promotes the spirit of sharing, caring and giving. Soaking in the spirit of Christmas, the Commission for the Differently Abled of the Archdiocese of Bangalore celebrated a special Christmas at Paalanaa Bhavana on Saturday. Altogether, 11 institutions who serve the differently abled in different ways took part in this event.
Ms. Estelle D’Souza, a member of the commission welcomed the gathering and thanked them for joining the celebration on a short notice. The programme started with a reading from the Bible by Sr. Soumya from Seva Sadan. The reflection on the reading was done by Br. Augustine, Founder, Jeevanadhi Spiritual and Charitable Trust. Rev. Fr. Cyril Victor, Director, Paalanaa Bhavana, gave a short message about Jesus asking us to be like little children. This was followed by a sumptuous lunch which was also an opportunity for the children as well as their caregivers to interact with each other.
The post-lunch session began with the cultural programme put up by the special children from different institutions. The Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado joined the celebration and was happy to see the joy on the faces of the participants. In his message, the Archbishop pointed that Jesus is present among these Special Children and we should love them in a special way and cater to their special needs. Mr. Kantharaj, the first lay PRO of the Archdiocese of Bangalore too joined in the celebration. On this occasion the Arch bishop felicated Sr. Mary Mascarenhas, for her forty years of selfless service to the leprosy patients at Sumanahalli Society.
Mr. John Isaac, a person with hearing impairment donned the role of Santa Clause and enthralled the children with dance and distribution of sweets. A special Christmas cake was cut by the Archbishop along with the children. The gifts were distributed by the Archbishop. San Thom Choir, Jalahalli added to the festive spirit with their melodious singing that entertained the gathering. As the celebrations, came to an end, Rev Fr. George Kannanthanam, Secretary, Commission for the Differently Abled thanked everyone for making this event a memorable one. The closing prayer was led by Mr. David Istacky, a member of the commission. It was indeed an event where the warmth of Christmas was felt all around!!
Those interested to know more about the activities of the Commission for Differently Abled, Archdiocese of Bangalore may reach out to Estelle D’Souza, Commission Member. Email- [email protected].
Serving the leprosy combatants is a challenging mission. Hearty congratulations to Sr. Mary Mascarenhas. God bless.