Milagres Church Carolers bring Joy into the Lives of Seniors and Orphans
Milagres Church Carolers bring Joy into the Lives of Seniors and Orphans through Christmas carols, thereby putting miles of smiles on their faces, and making a difference in a special way, during this joyous Christmas Season.
“It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. The coming of Jesus at Bethlehem brought joy to the world and to every human heart. may His coming this Christmas bring to each one of us that peace and joy that He desires to give”- Mother Teresa
Mangaluru: Christmas is already here! Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is not restricted to a particular religion- and in this education hub, we all ring in the festivities with equal gusto. It is that time of the year to spread joy by making others smile. You can sing carols or share a Christmas meal with the elderly at an old-age home or with children at one of the many orphanages in the city. A group of merry people comprising of Parishioners of Milagres Church-Mangaluru visited local homes and a few NGO’s in this town known as the “Rome of the East” singing their favourite carols, thereby bringing joy in the lives of the elderly and the less-fortunate.
No doubt, Carol singing has come a long way and is now an integral part of Christmas celebrations- “Oh holy night …the stars are brightly shining… it is the night of the dear saviour’s birth”- and Christmas is never complete without carol singing. Songs like “Silent night”, “Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer” and “Hark the angels” have always reminded us of childhood Christmases. Generally, carol singing starts few days prior to Christmas where people go from house to house singing popular carols- these Parishioners/carolers attired in red and green Christmas outfit, with Santa hats, accompanied by a Santa look-alike did visit a few apartments in the City, old-age homes and orphanages-which symbolized the arrival of a time of peace, love, and brotherhood.
Although the Milagres Church Choir has visited homes singing carols during the past couple of days, but last evening ( 5 December) was the last day-where the group sing carols to the accompaniment of a guitar- Santa also joins along with these carolers, where he dances and distributes sweets among the children and seniors, while the carolers sing English and Konkani carols. With these Carolers on the move the city is already in that warm, fuzzy Christmastide feeling. Yes, Carol singing is a guaranteed way to swing everyone into a festive mood. From the youngest to the oldest, it is the spirit of togetherness and moving from one house to another that are truly fun-filled exercises. Carol singing is also about bringing joy and happiness to the less fortunate. Carol singing is not just about having fun but it’s also about bringing a smile on people’s faces- and that’s exactly what these carolers did.
They say that Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action. Joy is prayer; joy is strength: joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. Extending their love and bringing joy into the old and the young people, these Carolers who entertained the elderly and the young through their songs brought some Christmas joy and cheer among these less fortunate folks. The Milagres Carolers were divided into two groups, and Team Mangalorean followed the group which was led by Fr Valerian D’souza- Parish Priest of Milagres Church-and the carolers visited three elderly persons at Casa Grande Apartments on Sturrock Road, and also couple other apartments, and finally ending their carolling for the evening at Mother Teresa Home-Mangaluru.
At Casa Grande, Suzzane Rodrigues aged 101, who is bedridden was so happy to see these carolers and Santa Claus, that she gave her “Binaca” smiles and was full of joy and happiness. Also Irene Dias and Alice Crasta, both in their seventies were also entertained by the carolers at Casa Grande. And generally, senior citizens or the ailing who are not in a state to come out of their house, that’s when these singers go to their homes and make them happy. At Mother Teresa Home, one could see the joyous expressions on the faces of these inmates, which they have been waiting for long- and this was a moment for them that enlightened and cheered them up. The young and vintage carolers surprised the elderly and the orphans with songs of Christmas, thereby cheering them with the spirit of Christmas. Surely there was the element of surprise, followed by expressions of gratitude.
Fr Valerian D’Souza speaking to Team Mangalorean said, “The Christmas season, a time of celebration and sharing, is filled with joy, laughter, light and music. It is a celebration of the birth of Christ, partly as an expression of Christian beliefs around the World, but more so, as a time of giving and sharing for all. Although these days Christmas is too commercialized, but true meaning of Christmas, which is really to celebrate a gift to humankind – the gift of an Enlightened Being who gave hope and salvation to the world over 2000 years ago. Christmas is a highly uplifting celebration of spirituality.”
He further said, ” Our Church carolers have tried to maintain the original spirit of Christmas by making it a time of celebration, joy, giving and sharing, and have also tried to bring happiness during the Christmas season by joining a group to sing Christmas carols for the orphans and elderly. This small act that uplift others’ spirits is more meaningful than an expensive gift. Now that Master has come into this World, the Christmas season is especially significant for us all. The joy and happiness generated by His love give a deeper meaning to all holiday celebrations. Lights shine more brightly, music sounds sweeter, and love and goodwill seem more significant. My sincere wish is that all can discover Master and share Christmas in this spiritual way. Wish you all a merry and blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year well in advance and may God bless you all”
Sr Asha Rani MC, the Superior at Mother Teresa Home expressing her thoughts said, ” Quoting Mother Teresa “At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God’s own love and concern.”- Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone, and I am glad that these Church carolers have brought cheer to our inmates. We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give. Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years. Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart. Thank you for the love that you have shown towards our orphans during Christmas”
While appreciating the good work done by these Milagres Church Choir members, may God bless them in their endeavour and may the ambiance be filled with peace by their good work.