by Fr Ajay D’monte for BIS Mumbai

The Mission Sunday celebration at St. Anne’s Church, Ahmednagar, was joyfully observed on November 17, 2024. The day commenced with the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr Ajay D’Monte and enriched by a thought-provoking homily delivered by Fr Briston Britto. In his sermon, Fr Britto reflected on the Second Coming of Christ, which may evoke feelings of fear or anxiety. He emphasized that our anticipation should instead be filled with hope. As pilgrims of hope, our commitment to spreading the Good News must embody this hope and inspire life in others.

Following the Mass, the church parking lot was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, featuring an array of food and game stalls. Parishioners were encouraged to visit the stalls, with proceeds going towards the Church’s missionary efforts. The religious sisters played a key role in organizing and contributing to the success of the event.

The game stalls were a major attraction, with exciting competitions offering prizes to the winners. The youth of St. Anne’s Church demonstrated commendable enthusiasm, dedicating their efforts to organizing these games and ensuring the faithful enjoyed a lively and engaging experience.

The food stalls were another highlight, offering a delightful assortment of homemade delicacies that were eagerly enjoyed by the parishioners. With a wide variety of dishes, there was something to please every palate, enhancing the communal and festive spirit of the celebration.

Special counters were set up for the sale of coupons, ensuring smooth management of the event. The youth, in collaboration with the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) members, displayed exceptional teamwork in organizing the event. Beginning at 8:30 am and concluding at 12:30 pm, the celebration provided ample time for the community to come together, enjoy the festivities, and contribute to the Church’s mission.

In conclusion, the Mission Sunday celebration was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of unity, generosity, and solidarity among the faithful. The funds raised will support the Church's missionary endeavors, extending aid and hope to those in need worldwide.