(My Joyful Experience of Giving)
On 9th October, we went to the beautiful village, Ambaulim. It was a very unique, memorable and worthwhile experience. We were accompanied by our Catechists, SSVP members and our assistant Parish Priest Fr. Leslie Gomes. It was a beautiful journey travelling to Ambaulim; the fields, churches, houses, flowers, plants, etc, were just mesmerizing. We went there to distribute the offerings that were offered during the novenas of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary by the catechism students and other parishioners to the needy brethren.

All together we visited 6 Families. As we visited the families, we inquired about them, prayed for them and then gave the offerings. The bright smiles on their faces after they met us were just priceless and we too were overwhelmed to meet them. They might not have the luxuries that we who live in urban areas have but they are very positive and kind. Seeing them is so inspiring and that made me realize how blessed we are. The people of the village were very welcoming and compassionate towards us. They are hardworking and resilient people who earn honest bread. After this act of charity we returned home happy and with a lot of knowledge on how to be a good, hardworking and humble person in life. It was a wonderful experience. In Fr. Leslie’s words “we saw another side of human existence”. Through this experience, I personally learned to share with the needy.

-Marden Fernandes
(Catechism Student and Altar Server)