0
0
Christuvula Sahayamatha Parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee on 20, December with a grand Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist, marking 50 years of spiritual growth, missionary zeal, and community development.
A Legacy Rooted in Faith and Service
Established in 1974, the parish began as part of Muttluru Parish and was entrusted to the Salesians by Bishop Gali Bali D.D. Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Chinnappa Thomas SDB, the mission started with six villages: Bhramanakodur, Jupudi, Mannava, Modhukur, Mamillapalli, and Aremanda.
The parish center was relocated to P.T. Parru in 1982 by Rev. Fr. Abraham Panampara SDB, addressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and water scarcity. Over the decades, the parish expanded its reach to 32 villages supported by the tireless efforts of Salesian priests, FSJ sisters, and catechists. The mission’s growth eventually led to its bifurcation, giving rise to Bosco Ashram Parish in Ponnur,
A Grand Jubilee Celebration
The Jubilee festivities began with a ceremonial welcome for the chief guest, Rev. Bishop Chinnabathuni Bhagaiah D.D., and other dignitaries, including Rev. Fr. Thomas Santiagu (Provincial of St. Joseph Province, Hyderabad) and Rev. Fr. Garlapati Kishore SDB (Vice Provincial). The leaders paid tribute to pioneering parish priests Rev. Fr. Abraham Panampara SDB and Rev. Fr. Joseph Abraham SDB with garlands and rituals.
A vibrant welcome dance led the guests to the altar for the Holy Eucharistic celebration. Presided over by Bishop Bhagaiah and concelebrated by over 60 priests, the Mass was attended by 50 religious sisters and brothers and approximately 3,000 faithful. In his homily, Bishop Bhagaiah commended the Salesian missionaries for their unwavering commitment and highlighted the Jubilee as a moment of gratitude and renewed dedication to spreading the Word of God.
Commemorating Achievements
The Golden Jubilee was a testament to the parish’s accomplishments over five decades:
- Transforming Education: The Don Bosco English Medium School, established in 1983, has uplifted underprivileged children, many of whom have excelled in various fields.
- Religious Vocations: The parish has contributed 13 vocations, including priests and nuns, to the Church’s mission.
- Empowering Women: Self-help groups have empowered women across four mandals, fostering financial independence and social progress.
- Past Pupils Association: Founded nine years ago, the association supports orphan children’s education and fosters alumni unity.
- Church Renovation: The parish church’s recent renovation rejuvenated its spiritual significance, made possible by the Provincial community and the Don Bosco CBSE School, Gunadala.
- Revised Hymnal: The updated hymnal Gana Dhyana Prardhana Manjari, edited by Rev. Fr. Mariadas Mattukoyya SDB, was unveiled during the celebration.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
Following the Eucharist, the parish recognized dignitaries, long-serving catechists, and contributors to the church renovation. Rev. Fr. Mattukoyya Mariadas SDB led the felicitations, while Rev. Fr. Pratap extended heartfelt thanks to all donors, volunteers, and collaborators, including Fr. Ratnakar’s family for sound arrangements and Sr. Clementia, Superior of Assisi Bhavan, for her support.
A Day of Thanksgiving and Renewal
The Golden Jubilee was more than a celebration; it was a moment of profound gratitude and commitment. The community reflected on its journey with pride and looked to the future with a renewed mission to serve. As the celebrations concluded with a fellowship meal, the parish resolved to continue its legacy of faith, service, and community building. The Golden Jubilee of Christuvula Sahayamatha Parish stands as a beacon of faith and transformation, inspiring generations to come.
