Orphans enjoy Christmas celebration in city

Orphans enjoy Christmas celebration in city

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 17, 2017: Orphans lead a life of seclusion and druggery missing their near and dear, though many institutions do much to make their life better. The city’s less privileged kids from various orphanages were brought together as they joined together to sing, dance and play in joy, reducing their challenges and barriers, at a Christmas programme organised for them at the Fatima Retreat House ground on Dec 16, Saturday.

At least 300 students from eight orphanages in the city - Bala Yesu Nilaya, Maryhill; Stella Maris, Kotekar; Bhagini Samaj, Jeppu Market; Zeenath Baksh, Bunder; Infant Mary’s Hostel, Kulshekar; De Mercede, Deralakatte; Jeevadan, Gurpur Kaikamba and Prashant Nivas, Jeppu, participated.

"Christmas is simply about joy and hope. Joy shared is multiplied. Jesus lives among poor and humble and He came as helpless child. We have chosen children because we see Jesus in them. They are innocent. There is so much harmony among them," Fr Melwyn Pinto SJ, the present director of Fatima Retreat House who is no stranger here in the city and returned here after a spell at ’Radio Vatican’.  Fr Melwyn has always a special place to encourage such events and said he will continue  in the years to come, he said such things are observed here for many years and he takes it forward too. As a mark of spreading communal harmony, a team performed ’Om Namah Shivay’  in the shrine ground.  Various dances, songs and skits were staged. The children were given ’kuswar’ and gifts, taking their share of joy a notch higher.

Joy and confidence was visible all around and the children were at their very best and filled with cheer. Sports and games were part of the occasion for the children and the winners were given prizes. Traditional Kuswar and personal Christmas gifts were also distributed with glee floating all around.

Christmas is not a date it is a state of mind. It is Christmas every time a deserving person gets a good turn and love through you. Indeed the spirit of Christmas needs to be nurtured every day of the year.