Feast of our patron, St. Joseph

Thank you St. Joseph - Our Role Model and Guide!

- Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala

29^th March, 2013

The countdown to the feast of St. Joseph began with a special novena that was planned and prepared on the theme of faith. The special novena mass was celebrated in our parish church on all the days of the novena at 7 am, with groups of teachers and students animating the liturgy at mass. It was an opportunity to reflect deeper on the qualities of St. Joseph - patience, faith in Divine Providence, faith in Jesus, deeper faith in God…

The prayer service (Secondary section) on 18^th March, the eve of the Feast Day, was offered in thanksgiving to St. Joseph. The video 'Saint Joseph: A Hidden Life' depicting the role of St. Joseph in the life of Jesus and Mother Mary laid emphasis on his ability to work hard and silently and be their source of inspiration. The three virtues of St. Joseph namely, patience, hard work and honesty were highlighted through this video presentation.

The feast day of St. Joseph witnessed a large congregation - well-wishers, students – past and present, teachers (present and retired), parents and parishioners - gathering in the Church of Our Lady of Dolours for the solemn festive thanksgiving mass at 8 a.m.  Fr. Bernard Fernandes (Principal) was the main celebrant; Rev. Fr. Godfrey Desa (Rector) and Rev. Fr. Vivian D'Souza were the concelebrants. A short skit at the beginning of the Mass, depicting the role St. Joseph in our lives, and offerings for the needy at the offertory procession, were some of the highlights of the celebration. The students with regular attendance at the novena Mass were rewarded with special prizes at the end of the Eucharistic celebration.

After the Thanksgiving Mass, the students and parents were offered refreshments, while a special get-together for the staff members, teachers, retired teachers, past pupils and well-wishers was arranged in the school hall. Fr. Bernard wished the entire family of St. Joseph a joyous feast of our patron, and a few other members present too came forward to reminisce the years gone by and pay growing tributes to their alma mater and cherished home. This spontaneous sharing was indeed a testimony of thanksgiving which struck a chord in the hearts of everyone. Snacks and a hot cup of tea were served to everyone present. The teachers were presented a small token of appreciation as a sign of their love, commitment and dedication to St. Joseph’s. A staff photograph at the end of the celebration captured the moment – the smiles and the joy – that completes a family picture!

The following day - March 19 being a ‘festive’ holiday – all the school students were given a ‘munchy’ chocolate treat  to celebrate the feast of St. Joseph. May St. Joseph continue to bless, assist, direct, protect and guide us in all our future endeavours.