Navigation

Vashi2Panvel.com: Navi Mumbai: Aug 6: August 7th is Vianney Sunday but the Navi Mumbai churches have decided to cancel Vianney Sunday's celebrations and use the money that would be thus saved to donate to the flood victims. It is celebrated in remembrance of St. John Vianney, on his birthday, who is considered to be the role model and patron of all parish priests. It is a day when the parishioners acknowledge the clergy and thank them for the services rendered. It is a day of celebration. But this time? Both Panvel and Kalamboli parishes are struggling to help those affected in the floods in any case. So there's no celebrations in any case. What about the rest?

Traditionally the members of the Parish Council dine with the parish priest on this auspicious day. The parishioners do the cooking and shower the priests with gifts as well, as a token of their appreciation.

Father Ryan, the parish priest of C.B.D. says that they never used to celebrate Vianney Sunday, so they are not in for a disappointment. "We never celebrated Vianney Sunday here in C.B.D." Reason? "No particular reason, so far we haven't."

Father Antony, the parish priest of Sanpada has other plans though. "Ours is a new parish and all of us were looking forward to coming together on this day. We won't be celebrating as such, but the parish council members will be dining with me in the evening. We are spending a measly amount on the dinner, so it’s okay. This is the first time we will be celebrating Vianney Sunday here in Sanpada."

Vashi parish has cancelled celebrations too. "We had plans earlier, but decided not to go ahead with the celebrations after the floods hit Mumbai", said Father Ralph from Vashi parish. Will the money saved be utilized elsewhere? "We had set aside a very meager amount for the dinner, so it is not the question of saving on money. We have been helping Kalamboli and Panvel parishes to recover in the past 10 days. We are not celebrating as a sign of mourning for the lives lost." The parishioners must be disappointed, you would think, but Father Ralph does not agree. "We look forward for this day every year. But the parishioners are also mourning. There's always a next year", he says
optimistically.

Sujata Anthony Reddy