from Jessie Rodrigues
for Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SM)
Bangalore, Dec 10: St Mary’s Orphanage celebrated its 56th annual fest at the Orphanage, St Mary’s Town here on Saturday December 8.
The day began with a thanksgiving mass at 7 am in the chapel of the orphanage. The archbishop Bernard Moras celebrated the Eucharistic solemn mass. Fr John Anthony, director of the Orphanage, Fr Thomas D’Sa, director of NBCLC, Fr Louis Vadakumar, secretary to the Bishop, Fr Jacob Britto, Fr Irudayaraj, Fr Alwyn and Fr Gregory, principal of Maria Niketan School were the concelebrants.
Later the programme began with a welcome address by Norbert Albert at 6.30 pm. This was followed by various cultural programmes. The boys of the orphanage had a great chance to show their talents in various skits and dances while St Mary’s Brass Band kept the crowd enthralled with their melodious music including Christmas Carols. This brought in the festive mood of Christmas among all the present. ‘Home sweet home’ was hit skit of the evening, wherein the boys acted superbly showing their gratitude to their home
A power point presentation displaying the annual report of the orphanage with the voice recording of Maria, the secretary gave a crystal clear picture of the orphanage including the accounts.
Archbishop Bernard Moras in his address thanked Fr John Anthony, the director for his meticulous working in bringing up the orphanage. He appreciated for not having any major sickness in the boys during the year which is mainly due to the hygiene and healthy food provided to the boys. He appealed to the people to come forward and support this worthy cause of the orphanage as this orphanage functions mainly with donations from the people.
Archbishop Moras acknowledged the good behaviour of the boys and their active participation in the orphanage, the older boys caring for the younger and so on. He also thanked Fr Gregory, principal of Maria Niketan School for all the help he is rendering to the orphanage. A big round of applause was for the director for his restless efforts and ‘Dream come true’.
Fr John Antony proposed the vote of thanks and Gerard Manoharan compered the programme.