Media Release

Bengaluru, Dec 22: A joyful Christmas celebration for visually and physically challenged children and their families was held on December 21 at the Holy Ghost Church Parish Hall, Richards Town, Bengaluru as a meaningful expression of love, inclusion, and hope. The programme was generously hosted and animated by Nelly Prichard and her family her son Kevin, daughter-in-law Sneha, and grandson Kian. The celebration brought together children with disabilities, their families, priests, religious, guests, and volunteers to rejoice in the true spirit of Christmas as Pilgrims of Hope.

The programme commenced with a graceful prayer dance by the girls of St Charles Borromeo Orphanage, beautifully ushering in the spirit of Christmas through devotion and expression. This was followed by the opening prayer led by Fr Alex, invoking God’s abundant blessings upon the gathering.

Nelly Prichard extended a warm and heartfelt welcome address, expressing her gratitude to all present and emphasizing the importance of celebrating Christmas as one inclusive family. This was followed by the symbolic lighting of the lamp, representing hope, unity, and the light of Christ.

The lamp was lit by the chief guest, Princy David, along with Nelly Prichard, Piya Xaxa, Anitha, Fr Alex, Fr Vignan Das, advocate Sampath Shetty, Sr Juliana Miranda, Mubuina, and Anusha.

The gathering was deeply inspired by the address of the chief guest, Princy David, who delivered encouraging and affirming words highlighting the dignity, strength, and unique gifts of persons with disabilities. Her message resonated strongly with the themes of hope, acceptance, and togetherness. She was also the main sponsor of the programme. Special gratitude was expressed to the redemptorist fathers, especially Fr Edward CSSR, provincial superior, for their generosity in providing the Holy Ghost Church Parish Hall and supporting the celebration.

A joyful cake-cutting ceremony, involving all the dignitaries, marked the celebration of Christmas as one united family. This was followed by engaging activities such as the love, peace, joy and hope game and the Christmas Colours Game, which brought smiles, laughter, and enthusiastic participation from everyone present.

The festive atmosphere continued with vibrant Christmas dance performances, melodious carol singing, a lively Santa dance, and several interactive games. These moments of fellowship reflected the humility, grace, and love at the heart of the Christmas message.

The programme concluded with the distribution of gifts, symbolizing love, care, and the joy of sharing. Communio caps and calendars were distributed by Fr Vignan Das, associate director of Communio, as a meaningful gesture of remembrance and unity. A heartfelt vote of thanks was proposed, acknowledging all those who contributed to making the celebration meaningful and memorable. The event concluded with fellowship over food, strengthening bonds of communion and joy.

The Christmas programme stood as a powerful witness to the message that Christmas is truly about love, inclusion, and hope where every person is valued and celebrated. It was a memorable celebration of faith and joy, fostering a strong spirit of communion among all present.

The programme was well coordinated by Sr Margarita Dias SCB, Godwin, Nisha, Michael, and their families, along with Nelly Prichard.