'Every time we make an effort to make someone smile, we are first blessed with a smile' National Parents Day
The members of Christian community of St Joseph Church honoured senior citizens of the parish to celebrate National Parents Day on Sunday. More than 50 senior citizens were special guests of the event. The day is observed on fourth Sunday in July. It fell on July 28 this year.
Father Thomas Rajamanikam said the day is celebrated to honour parents. He added that parents’ unconditional love and sacrifice for their children can't be measured but must be remembered and celebrated.
Most senior citizens who are now grandparents narrated their experiences and life lessons with parish members.
Senior citizens participated in the holy mass and special prayers were offered for them. To make them feel special, a special programme of felicitation, gift-giving ceremony and get-together was organised at the church.
“All special guests here today are our guides and gurus who empower us to succeed in life,” organiser Sylvester Paul said. He cited examples of households where elders are not respected.
“We need to remember and understand that they are not a burden but we are lucky to have them. Without them, there is no home, it is just a house with four walls,” Paul said.
Sunil Raphael sang a song to encourage and motivate seniors to celebrate life and be happy despite the age-related problems they face. A group of members danced along dressed in colourful attire.
Senior citizen Shoba Kumrawat shared her views about living happily. “From all my life, I have learned that life is ever-changing with ups and downs. But happiness remains inside us all the time,” she said.
Another special guest Joseph Mangheskar said, “Every time we make an effort to make someone smile, we are first blessed with a smile, so we must continue to make others smile every day,” he said.
Father Selvin led the choir by playing guitar. Anupama Paul read the sacred scripture. Sharman Francis, president of Catholic Sabha anchored the programme. A feast of idli and sambar was enjoyed by everyone together.
Father Thomas Rajamanikam said the day is celebrated to honour parents. He added that parents’ unconditional love and sacrifice for their children can't be measured but must be remembered and celebrated.
Most senior citizens who are now grandparents narrated their experiences and life lessons with parish members.
Senior citizens participated in the holy mass and special prayers were offered for them. To make them feel special, a special programme of felicitation, gift-giving ceremony and get-together was organised at the church.
“All special guests here today are our guides and gurus who empower us to succeed in life,” organiser Sylvester Paul said. He cited examples of households where elders are not respected.
“We need to remember and understand that they are not a burden but we are lucky to have them. Without them, there is no home, it is just a house with four walls,” Paul said.
Sunil Raphael sang a song to encourage and motivate seniors to celebrate life and be happy despite the age-related problems they face. A group of members danced along dressed in colourful attire.
Senior citizen Shoba Kumrawat shared her views about living happily. “From all my life, I have learned that life is ever-changing with ups and downs. But happiness remains inside us all the time,” she said.
Another special guest Joseph Mangheskar said, “Every time we make an effort to make someone smile, we are first blessed with a smile, so we must continue to make others smile every day,” he said.
Father Selvin led the choir by playing guitar. Anupama Paul read the sacred scripture. Sharman Francis, president of Catholic Sabha anchored the programme. A feast of idli and sambar was enjoyed by everyone together.