Our Lady of Lourdes Church decked so beautifully, no less than a bride;
With our hearts swelled with pride,
Our happiness we couldn't hide!
Finally, the most awaited moment was right before us,
The privilege to meet His Excellency along with His Eminence was the new buzz!
The visit of His Excellency, Reverend Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, along with His Eminence, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, was truly an enriching experience for all at Orlem, doubling the Parish’s festive joy!
The red carpet was rolled and parishioners couldn't contain their excitement. Parishioners gathered in enormous numbers as they welcomed them with dance, music and cultural traditions. Since it was the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Parishioners flooded the church with their children and the church premise saw one of its most joyful evenings. The meaningful Eucharist celebrated by His Excellency deeply touched each one present and those participating in the holy mass from their homes. In his own words, we were all motivated to be the Light in a world engulfed in darkness! The Archbishop's warm demeanor, coupled with the wishes that he brought from the Holy Father, was truly the highlight of the evening and helped us experience a Christ-encounter.
We were also humbled to have His Excellency and His Eminence spend some noteworthy time with the Parish Pastoral Council and it gave us an opportunity to share with them the strengths that help us grow as a community and the challenges that we are collectively striving to address. It was truly heartwarming to have them grace our parish with their holy presence, and this day will be cherished for a lifetime!
-Renita Sequeira
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Orlem.