Missionary Childhood Day Celebrations- 2023
The Missionary Childhood Sunday was celebrated in our Archdiocese on 19th February 2023 at the St. John the Baptist Church, Carambolim in the Old Goa Deanery. Besides, the children along with their in-charge from various institutions, supported by the Missionary Childhood i.e. St. Alex orphanage Calangute, St. Xavier’s Academy- Old Goa, and Holy Family Convent-Sancoale St. Anthony’s Home, Verna; the catechism of the host Parish were also present. There were all together around 250 people present for the celebration. Most of the parishes of the deanery could not participate due to their engagements like the first Holy Communion of the children, catechetical day etc.
The Eucharistic Celebrant was presided over by Rev. Fr. Henry Falcao, Director, St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual and Renewal Centre, Old Goa, Rev. Fr Mario Costa, Parish priest of St. John the Baptist Church, Carambolim, Rev. Fr. Maverick Fernandes, Diocesan Director, Holy Childhood Association, Rev. Fr. Savio Fernandes Executive Secretary, Council for Social Justice and Peace. Rev. Fr. Henry Falcao highlighted the manner in which a child can be holy to become little missionaries of Christ in their daily lives.
After the Holy Eucharist, refreshments were served to everyone.
The program began with an attitude of being thankful and the children of St. Alex Orphanage, Calangute expressed it in the form of their mesmerizing prayer dance performance. This year the theme for the Holy Childhood day – “To live in communion” was exhibited through a skit by the children of Holy Family Convent, Sancoale. The cultural dance performance by the children of St. Anthony’s Home, Verna uplifted the heritage of Goa and carried the message to keep alive the tradition and Konkani language. Childhood is a phase in life that is cherished by all. All the fun, happiness and various memories accumulated in one’s mind are stored forever, the children of St. Xavier’s Academy for the differently abled danced it in an extraordinary manner leaving the grown up audience to once again go back to their past memories. Later, Ms. Pavitra from Holy Family Convent, Sancoale and Ms. Alanisha Vales from St. Alex Orphanage, Calangute shared their experiences on how the monetary aids in taking care of the various requirements of the children and how blessed and privileged they feel to grow in the homes under the guidance of the sisters.
Fr. Maverick Fernandes enlightened all by briefing about the role of the Missionary Childhood Association through a powerpoint presentation. Fr. Savio Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. The children were given a token to remind them about their role as little missionaries.