Vijaymari Community College Shares Christmas Joy with Differently-abled Folks
Vijaymari Technical and Community College,Mary Hill- management, staff and students share the joy and spirit of Christmas with differently-abled children and adults
“God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we love God and our brothers and sisters, we walk in the light. But if our heart is closed, if we are dominated by pride, deceit, self-seeking, then darkness falls within us, and around us. Whoever hates his brother — writes the Apostle John — is in the darkness; he walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. Give and you shall receive, so give generously- Love and care for the needy, you will all be truly blessed ” – Christmas message from Pope Francis
Mangaluru: “We are the world. We are the children. We are the ones who make a brighter day. We’re all part of God’s great big family. And the truth is that love is all we need. So let’s start giving, for it’s true, we’ll make a better day. Just you and me.” – These thought-provoking lyrics by the late pop-star Michael Jackson are quite fitting during this time of the year. “Christmas is all about sharing and giving.” I totally endorse the truth about this statement. Giving is an act of love. The joy of being able to bless and give someone you care, and to make them smile, is priceless. Although Christmas is a festivity for the entire family, children play an important role in it. Children do need love and caring during Christmas, but there are few kids who are less fortunate to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. And that’s when your participation will be strongly appreciated. There are also many less fortunate families who need your help.
Keeping the tradition of sharing and giving during Christmas, the management, staff and students of Vijaymari Technical and Community College-Mary Hill here organized a programme on Wednesday, 21 December to share the joy and spirit of Christmas with the former differently-abled students, both young and old, of St Agnes Special School-Bendore- and the inmates of Veronica Vihar for Mentally Challenged- and it was the right thing they did through the act of sharing and giving among these differently-abled folks, because Christmas season is the perfect time to open your heart. The satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of others cannot be overstated. Knowing that you have helped make someone else’s Christmas a little bit brighter is a special feeling, and one that will last with you even after the holidays are over. The Vijaymari members did put smiles of miles on these special folks, thereby making a difference in their lives.
Prior to the formal function, a few games were conducted for the differently-abled folks and their parents, where everyone enthusiastically participated. The formal function began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song, followed by a welcome and prayer dance performed by the duo- Rita Menezes and Madhu. Sr Maria Joyce AC-Principal of Vijaymari Tech and Community College welcomed the gathering, and delivered the Christmas message and also expressed her gratitude to all those who took the initiative to share Christmas with the differently-adled children and adults. The occasion was graced by dignitaries on the dais namely Henbert Pinto- Vice President of Bondel Parish Council; Sr Maria Roseema AC-Vice Principal of Vijaymari Tech and Community College; Sr Maria Jyoti AC- the Correspondent; Mrs Felcy Miranda- Gurkar of Carmel Ward; and Sr Maria Dulcine AC- In-Charge of Veronica Vihar for Mentally-Challenged.
The students of the Community College entertained the audience with dance, songs and a Christmas tableau, followed by the guest appearance of Santa Claus who distributed sweets and goodies to the differently-abled children and adults. Prizes were distributed to all those students and guests who had won in various co-curricular competitions and games. Everyone had great fun, and especially the disabled children and adults enjoyed every minute of the programme. The vote of thanks was proposed by Monica D’Silva, while the programme was compered by Margaret Fernandes.
In conclusion, quoting Hebrews 13:16, “Do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” -notice that besides “the sharing of things with others,” we must also remember “the doing of good,” or helpful acts. We should always reflect on the ideal meaning of Christmas which is the remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ. That is why we should remember such special children and adult and share the happiness in different ways with them. Celebrating Christmas with such folks makes us come closer to them by way of comforting and showing them our love and commitment to their well being. Every person, especially the differently-abled in the society deserves respect and dignity. Christmas celebration has meaning when we love the poor and special people. We should respect every person especially the disabled and treat them equally and not discriminate them. Christmas celebration should inspire and motivate all to work for all kind of people irrespective of how they look.
We all should appreciate and compliment all the members of Vijaymari Tech and Community College for this wonderful and meaningful project which did bring joy and happiness among these special people. Finally, this Christmas season let us all be little generous towards the poor, and also continue our generosity towards them during the forthcoming year too. We all can make a difference in their lives. Let us give to the less fortunate families and children a feeling of hope, and make their Christmas cheerful. Better late than never-you still can be Santas by cheering up the less fortunate children in the true Christmas spirit of love and giving, and show them and their parents that you care. Yes, we all can do it ! Wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2017.
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