AMAR # 387 Gratitude Day at SHTC, Nashik

By Sr. Prezy Parmar  [1^st year novice] 

A long awaited day of our community was dawned on February 08, 2017. As we celebrated our community gratitude day. “Sir, give me this water” strenna 2018 with this theme began a month long spiritual preparation for our gratitude day, which gave us many occasions and ways to offer the water to the needy (spiritually and physically). With our sincere hearts we filled our community pot by praying for each other and for the province and for our neighbouring communities.

Our celebration began with a solemn vigil service. Sr. Salome D’Souza, our animator, set a tone to the vigil service by pouring water in each pot which we carried; we proceeded towards chapel with meaningful prayer dance by 1^st year novices. We then had a wonderful prayer service, which was conducted by 2^nd year novices and Sr. Jaya Pedthala. We then proceeded towards the refectory where we had candle-dinner with delicious food.

The next morning we awoke with much joy and gathered around the Lord to thank Him for all the blessings bestowed on us. We assembled in the chapel for the solemn Eucharistic celebration at 7:00 a.m. In his homily, Fr. Michael Hriiyio Phimu (IND)   SDB stressed on the theme “Sir, give me this water and the family spirit”. We then had a special moment of togetherness in the refectory with the cutting of the cake and the short programme. The entire day was a wonderful moment of communion and of grateful sentiments.

    We are very grateful to our dear Sr.Salome D’souza, Sr.Shanta Anthony, Sr.Reshma Nune, Sr. Jaya and our neighbouring communities S.T.I., Divyadaan, Don Bosco parish and our sisters in Maria Vihar. The fabulous day was ended by an entertaining programme by novices and a gratifying message by Rev. Sr. Salome D’Souza.