Christmas season in our Parish

The season of Advent has commenced and along the way, we have concluded two major feasts namely St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception on 3rd and 9th December respectively.

Immediately, thereafter, we began with our Carol singing practices and preparation for Christmas. With the electrifying presence of our Parish Priest, Fr Bolmax Pereira presence, we were expecting something altogether a different experience. And yes it was...

On 21st and 22nd December, we had the ‘Snowflakes Pop up Bazaar’, where the parishioners put up stalls ward wise and displayed their skills. We have heard of "Make in India", this was “Made in Chicalim”, wherein items made by our very own parishioners, were put up for sale. There was a wide variety of clothing, art and foodstuffs too. Our Catechism children made beautiful unique Christmas cards for sale.

Our talent on display

The Catechism children also had a grand Christmas party including a few games for their entertainment.

The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ was heralded with the Traditional Midnight Mass. Surprise of surprise, Fr. Bolmax, went to the next level by singing a Konkani song instead of the usual homily during the service. After the Midnight Mass, a housie game was conducted. A Christmas Carols karaoke was held which drew an unprecedented packed house.

On the 27th December, the Nativity scenes and Christmas Carols were presented by the various wards. Skits and a unique junkyard beats program was performed. Our Palloti Brothers, gave a very enlightening message for preserving water through their stage performance.

Magic and music during Christmas

“Chicalim has Talent” another unique programme was held on the 28th of December, which brought forth the hidden talent in our village, especially amongst the youth.

The much-awaited “Family Day” was celebrated on the 29th of December and included Holy Mass and Blessing of our families. In the evening, there was a Biblical Magic Show by Fr. Ivan from Mangalore. This was followed by a traditional “Fugdi” performance by the Hindu ladies from our Parish. It was a privilege watching them sing and dance simultaneously with ease and drew prolonged applause from the audience. An interesting quiz on the heritage of Chicalim was conducted to enlighten us about the rich cultural heritage of our village. A dance band, aptly named “Heavens Touch” from our village, belted dance music for those who had come with their dancing shoes on. Though the organisers had planned for an attendance of 500, the count of persons present went beyond 700 plus, which speaks volumes about the kind of footfalls the event brought in. It can be aptly said that the “Family Day” celebrations saw the parishioners come together and spend their time in the company of their fellow villagers. An unique opportunity, revived with much gusto and detailed planning by the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) under the able stewardship of our Fr. Bolmax.

Carols, goodies and people enjoying

Our honoured guests enjoying the entertainment programme

On 31st December, there was Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Thanksgiving for the year gone by and prayers for a beautiful 2020. After the Midnight Mass, Housie and a Karaoke session was held. Later in the evening, there was the traditional football match between Married and Unmarried at the Panchayat grounds.