Don Bosco Quasi-Parish, Kurnool, 17 December 2023: Kurnool’s Don Bosco Parish was abuzz with festive cheer as 85 young individuals from various Catholic communities came together to mark a significant first in the parish’s history: Semi-Christmas celebrations. The gathering brought together youth from St. Mary’s Boys Hostel, Chaithanya Gruhini Girls, and students from both boys’ and girls’ hostels at Rayalaseema University, alongside Parish Youth, creating an atmosphere of joy and solidarity.
A highlight of the event was the Carol singing competition, with Br Gregory and Fr Abraham (Parish Priest) serving as judges. The competition celebrated the talent and enthusiasm of the young participants, with winners receiving well-deserved prizes. The creativity of Brs. B. Sagar and A. Anthony was also on display, as they crafted a beautiful Christmas crib that added to the festive ambiance.
Adding to the novelty, this was the first time the youth had Semi-Christmas celebrations, introducing new traditions to their festive repertoire. A touching moment occurred during the programme when the Father Parish Priest placed the Child Jesus in the crib and led the assembly in singing Christmas carols, fostering a deep sense of community and faith.
The celebrations included a Christmas cake cutting ceremony, further enhancing the joyous occasion. Attendees also enjoyed snacks, including cake and tea, providing a perfect complement to the festivities. Concluding with a Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Jeevan and enriched with a Christmas homily, the event, lasting from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, was a profound communal and spiritual success, marking the beginning of what many hope will become a cherished annual tradition.