Bangalore: The Archdiocesan Commission for the differently-abled in association with the Archdiocesan Communications Centre celebrated Children’s Day on Sunday, the 15th of November 2020 at Paalana Bhavana along with the special children from Assisi Special School. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Peter Machado and the same was live telecast on the Bangalore Archdiocese YouTube Channel. Rev. Fr. Xavier Manavath, CMF, Episcopal Vicar, and Rev. Fr. Mario were the concelebrants. The Commission for the differently-abled strives to promote and facilitate the participation of differently-abled persons in the Church as well as in the society at large.
The Archbishop in his homily reminded the congregation that we celebrate this Sunday as the ‘World Day of the Poor’. He emphasized the need for each one of us to ‘stretch out’ our hands to the poor. “The differently-abled amongst us suffer from different types of poverty and we need to help them in every possible way. Connecting with the parable of talents the archbishop reminded the faithful that many of us have talents and we need to use them in the best possible manner so that those around us to benefit. These little children although may have certain disabilities, they too have talents. We need to appreciate and help them develop their talents”, he added.
After the mass, the children had a get-together where they were helped to make diyas with a little help from the sisters. The children were encouraged to select the design and the colors to make the diyas which are the symbol of light. It was a moving gesture as the Commission for the Differently Abled strives to dispel the darkness in the lives of these children by helping them lead a normal life to the extent possible.
The prize was won by Sachita for making the most beautiful diya. Sachita is a girl who has a disability in her legs. She hops and walks and has had 4 surgeries. The children too sang songs and enthralled the Commission members and the members of the SVDP who were present.
These children received woolen sweaters, caps and socks from Meredith, an IT company as part of their CSR outreach.
Ms. Estelle D’Souza
Archdiocesan Differently Abled Commission