The Bicentenary year is giving us the opportunity to celebrate joyfully with our students and staff. We organized a quiz in the school around the theme of St. Joaquina’s life. The students participated in it with lot of enthusiasm. Following days we had drawing competition for both Gujarati and English medium. Our students also performed a beautiful one act play on St. Joaquina’s life. Along with our staff and students, our parents and St. Mary’s staff also were present.
The community of Sanand celebrated the Bicentenary with a solemn Eucharist with Fr. Alpesh Macwan SJ as the celebrant. He stressed on the virtues and values of St. Joaquina and explained to us how relevant those virtues are in our times too. Offertory procession with signs and symbols representing St. Joaquina’s spirit was combined with the prayer of the faithful. The deanery members, well-wishers, some parents, teachers and students were present for the day. The cultural program presented by the students added life and energy to our celebration. We had the agape together with all of them.
In the school we also screened an inspiring video on the life of St. Joaquina. The video helped the children learn more about her life, her deep faith in God, her love and concern for the poor and needy, and her dedication to serving others. It also helped them understand the values and charism that St. Joaquina lived and shared throughout her life.
After the screening, the children were asked questions based on the video to assess their understanding of St. Joaquina’s life, mission, and values. The children participated with great interest and enthusiasm. This activity was a meaningful opportunity for them to know our Foundress better, draw inspiration from her life, and reflect on how they could put her values into practice in their daily lives.
Through this activity, we continued to celebrate the Bicentenary by helping our children appreciate the legacy of St. Joaquina and encouraging them to follow her example of faith, love, compassion, and selfless service.
The children got an opportunity to bring the life of St. Joaquina to the stage and learn more about her values and mission. Through this activity, they were encouraged to follow her example of faith, love, kindness, and selfless service.
Sr. Philomena D’Monte, ccv
