Associations' / Institutions' News

By Sr Ann Tresa

Bengaluru, Jan 1, 2020 : In his conference on 20th December 1940, on the Nativity of the Blessed Lord , Fr. Founder points out that Jesus was God. God could have selected a royal family, a great city like Rome to be born in, but he choose what was poor and lowly, a cave, a manger. To whom was this salvation event broadcast? Not to the Kings or the Jewish high priests but to the poor and ignorant shepherds.

On the 3rd World Day of the poor, during the Eucharist with the poor in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis said: “The poor are the treasures of the Church. They facilitate our access to the poor ‘’

The BLA members of Jyothi Nilaya Community, Bangalore had a unique celebration of Christmas with 55 poor children from the slums. Each of these children represented Christ born in the manger.

To begin with, the candidates presented a dance on the theme – “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, he has called me to proclaim the Good news to the poor”. Mr Roy the President of BLA spoke of Jesus and of his coming to save us.

Sr Bonita the Provincial superior appealed to the little minds and hearts of children on how love and kindness are the essence of Christmas.

The poor guest children then presented two scintillating dances which called for an “encore”. Children were then led to play interesting and hilarious games. Each child was presented with the beautiful gift by Santa Clause. They enjoyed the sumptuous refreshment offered generously by the BLA members.

The major part of organizing the progrmme was shouldered by the BLA Youth group who had also collected funds through a week of carol singing and visiting families. Sr Teresa Lydia ably compered the programme touching the hearts of the children and drawing enthusiastic response from them.