by Father Richard Burkhao for BISMumbai

The Jyoti Mata Church youth group had an unforgettable experience of their life as they had a recollection combined with an outreach programme whereby they distributed groceries, snacks and games articles for the poor tribal children of Kankradi village in Dahanu on 19 November 2021, as a sign of care and concern to the poor.

The recollection was held at Auxillium Youth Animation Center, Dahanu. Father Richard Burkhao, the youth animator organized creative and interactive sessions for the youth on 18 November. Along with him, FMA nun Sister Vandana Malya, also took a session and also helped in animating a very prayerful adoration. The following day, the youth had a wonderful interaction with the poor children who come daily to convent for studies. On an average, the sisters cater to around 60 children daily. Father Burkhao taught them some action songs and claps. The youth entertained the children with a dance and the children in turn did the same.

Later that morning, the youth carried with them the groceries which were offered by the parishioners, during the novena triduum of the parish feast - Feast of Our Lady of Light on 14 November, along with some game articles, and went to the Kankradi village. On reaching the village the youth had a wonderful surprise by the tribal children who welcomed each one of them with a small bouquet of flowers prepared by the children themselves. The children then entertained the youth by showcasing their traditional adivasi Tarpa dance. After the children and youth dance, snacks were served for the children. The programme concluded with the distribution of groceries for the children. Some of the youth even promised that they will celebrate their next birthdays with these children.