Grandparents’ Day was celebrated in our Church on the 25^th of July 2010 by the Catechists and the Catechism children. It was really a delight to see the enthusiasm of the children who started practicing for the event well in advance. The Church was abuzz with a lot of activity for over 15 days when Catechism children religiously came for the practices. After all, it was for their grandparents who are surely so very dear to them.

The Grandparents’ Day was well planned out. First we had a Eucharistic celebration with a very meaningful liturgy where we acknowledged that the grandparents are a gift to us. The grandparents were requested to occupy the front seats with their grandchildren and were each presented with a rosebud.
 After the Mass, there was a colourful programme in our Church Hall, organized by the children who put their soul in every item. The Catechism children learning Book IV began the programme with a Welcome Song where especially the grandparents, were given a very warm and rousing welcome. Children studying Books I and II did action songs. It was pleasant and joyful to see our small children get into song and action.

 The children learning Book II gave a powerful message that “what you do unto others, others would do unto you.” Their skit was named “The Wooden Bowl” which dealt with the treatment meted out to parents by the children and how grandchildren afterwards pay their parents on the same coin. It ended with a song by Michael Jackson called “Heal the World, make it a better place.” The students learning Book V set the stage on fire with their “Kotti-fugddi” dance which was appreciated by all. They also came up with a tableau called “Baimchea Kanttar” where the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well was beautifully depicted. The children studying Book VI presented a skit named “Zanttim Konank Zai!” In this play the situation in an Old Age Home was aptly illustrated, how the inmates long for love from their children and how they look forward to their children’s visit. The children played their roles very well.

The children learning Book VII came up with a Goan Mando and brought back nostalgic memories of the grandparents. The Post Confirmation students presented a play called ‘Relationships’. In this play the modern family system and relationship between parents and children, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were shown, which was contrasted with the Biblical stories on the same issues – how the Bible teaches us one thing and we do things disregarding the teachings of the Bible. Amidst all these sob stories, the Parish Youth came up with a Puppet show which enthralled the audience. There were peals of laughter in the hall. On such a high note, the programme came to an end with the President of the Catechetical Association, Miss Salita Rodrigues, proposing the Vote of Thanks. The hall decoration was put up by students and Catechists of Book V and the snacks were served by the Confirmation students. The comperes for the day were Nathan Vaz and Ana Fernandes.
– By Fr. Antonio Albuquerque