Pics: Alex Lewis
Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Dec 13: Continuing its legacy of bringing all parishioners together to share, care and celebrate the spirit of charity during the Christmas season, St Joseph’s Cathedral organized in a successful way, the Christmas Bazaar 2014 on Friday December 12.
The sun was shining bright and the weather was perfect for the event and the atmosphere was exciting. Even before the opening ceremony which was to be held at 10 am, the parishioners were seen filling the Church compound where the Bazaar was being held. The colorful costumes and smiling faces were enough to witness the zeal with which the parishioners were looking forward to this annual event, being held for the 28th successive year.
Parish priest Fr Savarimuthu escorted Bishop Paul Hinder and other priests of the parish and from Bishop’s House onto the stage. While thanking almighty God for the day, Fr Muthu welcomed the parishioners for the 28th Christmas Bazaar and solicited whole hearted support and cooperation for a successful and enjoyable day.
Bishop Paul Hinder gave his blessings to the people and officially declared the Bazaar open by releasing the balloons. As the celebration was beginning, Santa clause arrived in his white ‘Santa Mobil’ along with little Santas. He opened his big bag and gave the presents. Santa wished a “Merry Christmas” to all the people present, amid thunderous applause by one and all. The SJC Parish Calendar for 2015 which was then officially launched by the Bishop. The Bishop then visited all the Food and Games stall and wished the volunteers all the best.
The best part of the event is that all the food items are cooked at home by the parishioners at their own cost as a token of their gratitude to the parish which serves them throughout the year. While many others contributed by way of Sponsorship, financial help and gifts for the winners of the raffle.
The daylong event continued till 9pm with a beautiful Christmas tableau, singing, dancing, clashes of the DJs, etc. Thousands of parishioners visited the stalls, savoring the delicious and mouth-watering dishes offered by various communities. The games stalls offered some interesting games for young and old alike.
During the day beginning at 12 noon, an hourly draw was conducted whereby prizes like iPhones, gold jewellery were given away every hour. The day’s event was ably carried out by Emcees Avito Carvalho and Roydon D’Mello.
The grand raffle draw was held at the end of the event, in which the winners got some fabulous prizes like a 4-wheel car, air tickets, dining vouchers and electronic gadgets etc. The net collection of the event goes partly for charity and the rest for the construction of new buildings of the Church.
For the first time in the history of SJC priests and staff member of the parish performed live on stage for the tune of Bollywood item song 'Lungi Dance' and thereafter Christmas carols led by Bishop Paul Hinder, amid thunderous applause by one and all.
The event was planned months in advance by a special committee formed for this occasion. Various sub-committees are formed and the logistics are worked out well in advance under the leadership of the parish priest and the ceneral coordinator of the committee, Rudolph Vas.