Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN)
 
Mangalore, Nov 16: Children’s Day was celebrated at St Vincent Ferrer parish, Valencia, on Sunday November 15. 
 
Fatima Retreat House director Fr Rony Prabhu and Sr Dafney, co-ordinator of the city-based Dharma Jyothi Social Centre, were the chief guests on the occasion.
 
Valencia parish council vice-president Arun Raj Rodrigues and secretary Flavy Sequeira were also present on the dais.

 
Children’s Day celebration is a novel experience in the history of Valencia parish. Since Fr Bonaventure Nazareth took charge as parish priest, it has been celebrated with pomp, music, and dance, and competitions are held for children on the occasion.
 
This year, the special attraction was that it was held in the open air.  It was a non-stop three-hour programme involving 175 child performers ranging from students of KG to PUC.

There was a solemn Eucharistic celebration on Sunday morning and the creativity and involvement of children made it very meaningful.  Valencia assistant parish priest Fr Maxim Rosario spoke on the importance of children’s involvement in the society.  
There was a grand procession by the participants from Ferrer Colony to the church premises to the accompaniment of ‘Harry’s Century Band’.
 
Hydrogen-filled balloons which were released into the sky added to the beauty of the occasion.  All the children lined up in front of the stage and the balloons took to the air to the sound of applause.
 
Children performed dances from various regions of the country.  Budding singers of Valencia received resounding applause from the audience. 

Another attraction was the luck draw for the performers.  Orchestra by the parish children and Century Band made it a melodious evening.  Soft drinks and cake were served to all. 
 
Fr Maxim Rosario proposed the vote of thanks.  Alreen, Melba, Roviana, Ramona, and Melita compered the programe.