The Crib and Carols 2024 event, hosted recently, was a joyful celebration of the Christmas spirit, bringing together individuals and families in a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
The Crib and Carols 2024 event, hosted recently, was a joyful celebration of the Christmas spirit, bringing together individuals and families in a vibrant and festive atmosphere. The celebration was conducted on December 7th at St. Anthony's Church, Sappers Lines by the Youth Commission under the guidance of Rev Fr. Pranith the Diocesan Youth Director and Rev Fr. Bartholomew the parish priest and the youth. It was marked by a series of competitions and performances under the theme "Pilgrims of Hope", emphasizing the Jubilee Year’s message of unity, hope, and love.
The day commenced with a Drawing and Painting competition, where participants presented their artistic interpretations of the Jubilee Year theme and the Christmas message. The artwork reflected the vision of Pope Francis, focusing on the hope-filled journey of the faithful. Following this, the event proceeded to the Crib-making competition, where participants showcased their creativity through detailed and eco-friendly representations of the Nativity story. The evening culminated in the Carol competition, with melodious performances by various choirs filling the venue with festive cheer.
The judges for the competitions were carefully selected to ensure fairness and expertise. For the Drawing and Painting competition, the panel included Mrs. Jessie, Mrs. Shiela, and Mr. Arun. The Crib competition was judged by Mr. Paras Nathan, Mr. William, and Rev. Fr. Bartholomew, the parish priest. The Carol competition panel included Rev. Fr. Naveen, Mr. Naveen Jayarah, and Mrs. Benita.
A special address was delivered by the chief guest, Rev. Fr. Naveen, the Secretary to the Cardinal. His inspiring message encouraged the audience to embrace the true essence of Christmas—faith, generosity, and togetherness. Adding a unique touch to the event was a lively auction for a handmade star crafted by the youth, with proceeds directed toward charitable initiatives, showcasing the community's commitment to giving back.
The event’s success was evident in the enthusiastic participation from various groups, fostering community bonding and leaving a lasting impact. The feedback from attendees praised the seamless organization, festive ambiance, and meaningful activities, with suggestions to expand the competitions in the future.
This event would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the Diocesan Youth Commission team, the parish youth of St. Anthony's Church, Sappers Lines, and the generous support of sponsors and participants. Crib and Carols 2024 was not merely an event but a testament to the strength of faith and the joy of coming together as a community to celebrate the birth of Christ.