Media Release
Bangalore, Aug 17: Around 3000 Christian school children along with their respective teachers and principals marched to St. Joseph’s Indian HS Ground, Bangalore full of Hope on July 13.
Mariya Nilayam School led the band. All the other schools followed in colorful uniforms.
The theme of the convention being: “Be on your guard stand firm in the faith be men of courage be strong.”
The convention commenced with the invocation to the Spirit through prayer in English and a hymn in Kannada. The Choir spiritual revival ministry sang, “Open my heart Oh Lord” to seek the presence of the Lord.
The Archbishop of Bangalore Dr Bernard Moras, the Bishop of Bellary Henry D’Souza, and all the other dignitaries were led to the dais by St Joseph’s Indian School band.
The Archbishop carried the 'Word of God' and placed it on a pedestal and prayed for the insemination of Faith. As a symbolic beginning ceremonial lamp was lit up by Bishops and all dignitaries. The Archbishop then hailed the voice of the Christian Community in Bangalore.
Dr Archibald Gonsalves , KRCR president welcomed the guests and exhorted the faithful to invite 'Jesus as our Soldier' with a thunderous applause.
Bishop Henry D’Souza said, “we should emerge from discrimination and respect everyone without having any barriers, because we all belong to one God. We should be proud to be the member of the Church. He quoted the words from Bl. John Paul the II while addressing the youth. We need to ask three questions in our life.
1. What you want to become?
2. What sort of Christian you want to become?
3. What you want to proclaim?
The Archbishop read the Gospel of St Luke about Jesus inviting the little children. He said, “Jesus loves little children. So whatever you ask, the loving Lord will grant you. These words were firmly stressed by Him. He asked the children to hold their neighbor’s hands and recite the Lord’s Prayer in Kannada and in English.
By mid morning, the chorus competition started. Seven schools participated. Each school displayed their talents.
Fr Ronald Cardoza from St. Peter’s Seminary gave some inspiring thoughts on faith. He stressed these following points to the children,
1 To know our faith ……means…..to increase our faith.
2 To celebrate the faith…means… to live the faith joyfully
3 To transmit the faith to others…means…..to radiate the faith to others..
Fr. Roman shared in Kannada some tips to grow in faith.
Eight schools participated in the cultural programme. The excellent participants from chorus and cultural programme were called to perform during the closing ceremony.
All the dignitaries were warmly welcomed on the dais.
Minister of Karnataka KJ George addressed the gathering saying, ‘faith is confidence and truth in a person. ‘
Fr Archibald and Fr Praveen honored the prize winners. The glorious enjoyable function came to a close.
This faith convention made a very impact on the lives of all the children. Surely this day will be an ever memorable one for them.
The executive team of KRCR, led by Fr Praveen Pinto, the KRCR executive secretary was complimented for the success of the whole initiative and flawless event managing skills.