At 6.15 p.m. the flight touched down at Goa, the ‘holy land’ of the great missionary St. Francis Xavier. Outside the airport, both the communities from Sawantwadi and Goa as well as few more Crusaders, welcomed Mother General and Mother Assistant Marie Rose with beautiful flower bouquets and garlands. After promising to be at our Home in Goa at the end of the week, the vehicles proceeded towards Sawantwadi.
Upon arrival at the entrance of the Home, Mother General embraced the Little Sisters of the Community and then under the arch of colourful decorations and balloons, ‘aarthi’ was taken and sandal wood paste placed on the forehead and home-made sweets was given to Mother General and Mother Assistant Marie Rose.
On 17th February at 10.30 a.m., Mother General and Mother Assistant Marie Rose had an official welcome by the Residents. They all sat on the Sofa, with each letter of ‘WELCOME’ in their hand and innocently smiled and shook their sticks as everyone wished. Then one Lady sang a welcome song in English and presented Mother General a hand-made ‘ear of wheat’ while Mother Marie Rose had a branch of flower made from the branch of the palm tree. Then they distributed gifts to them.
At 4.30 p.m., the Holy Eucharist was presided by Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Alwyn Baretto and concelebrated by 7 other Priests. Soon after mass, Mother General wished them and gave them a little souvenir with Père Lelièvre’s biography.
Then Mother General and few other dignitaries lighted the brass oil lamp.
The students of Milagris High School animated the evening with their two dances. The first one led us to prayer and the other gave a glimpse into the rich traditions and culture of the Konkan region. The young girls looked pretty in their typical costumes. After that little Shreya, our neighbour, ever ready to please the Residents, also displayed her talent in dancing.
Planting Mango trees
On 19th February at 11 a.m. the Holy Mass was celebrated by Father Richard Saldhana, Principal of Milagris High School who invited Mother General to his School to give a short testimony to his students. On 20th, soon after the morning prayers and Hospitality, all rushed to the Parish Church for the Holy Eucharist since the rendez-vous with the School Students was in the same premises. The Parish Priest Fr. Milet D’Souza, before starting the Mass, expressed his joy for the presence of Mother General and said a few words of welcome and thanked her for the Community of Sawantwadi.
After Mass, Fr. Richard Saldhana, grateful to Mother for having accepted the invitation to speak to his Students during their Morning Assembly, had set up the stage with flowers and ‘Welcome’ on the backdrop.
Seizing the opportunity for the promotion of Vocations, Mother General addressed a few words to them, which was translated by Mother Assistant Marie Rose.
STAFF MEMBERS WITH LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR
MILAGRIS SCHOOL & JUNIOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
SAWANTWADI
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