AUXILIUM BENAULIM CELEBRATED THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Auxilium Primary School, Benaulim, celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on 23rd June 2026 in the school basement with great enthusiasm. Usually, the feast is celebrated on 24 June but as 24th June was declared a holiday on account of the village feast, it was celebrated a day earlier. The celebration centred on the life of St. John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, who had a special mission to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus, the saviour of the world.

St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of Benaulim Village. This festival of Sao Joao is celebrated with much fervour and faith all over the state of Goa. He lived a simple life filled with humility, courage and faith. He called people to repentance. Through his words and example, he taught us to love God, speak the truth and lead all to Christ.

The celebration began with a prayer service invoking Gods blessings. The students welcomed our Guest, our Manager Sr. Cecilia Crasta and the Headmistress Sr. Meena Fernandes with the crown of flowers traditional called the ‘kopel.’

One of the highlights of the celebration was class wise ‘kopel’ competition. The students participated with great enthusiasm. Each class designed unique and creative kopels using fresh flowers, leaves and other natural materials. The colourful kopels displayed our local tradition.

Class 4 student Mast. Liam D’costa beautifully dressed as Sao Joao gave the important message for the day. He highlighted virtues of St. John The Baptist.

The parents generously contributed variety of delicious traditional Goan delicacies such as ‘Pattoleo’, ‘Khole’, ‘Ghoddxem’, ‘Ale Bele’, ‘Pinagr’ and many other homemade sweets. A colourful display of seasonal fruits was arranged and refreshing fruit salad was prepared, served and shared among all the students.

The school basement echoed with joyful music, laughter and excitement. The celebration not only strengthened our faith but also deepened our understanding of Goa’s rich cultural traditions and customs. The celebration was truly memorable.