Date: 11th October 2022
Holy Cross International School, Boisar West, celebrated the Birthday of Mother Mary on 11th October 2022, with great devotion and respect. This special day is observed to honor the birth of Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, who is venerated for her humility, kindness, and unwavering faith. The celebration at the school was a reflection of these values, and students, teachers, and staff gathered together to participate in various spiritual and cultural activities.
Objective of the Celebration
The primary objectives of the Mother Mary Birthday Celebration were:
- To honor the birth of Mother Mary and reflect on her virtues of love, humility, and faith.
- To inspire students to live by her teachings of kindness, compassion, and selflessness.
- To provide a platform for students to express their devotion and spirituality through prayer, music, and cultural activities.
- To strengthen the sense of community and unity in the school, creating an environment of peace and harmony.
Opening Ceremony
The celebration began at 9:00 AM with a special prayer service led by the school chaplain. The chaplain spoke about the significance of Mother Mary’s birth in Christian faith and the importance of her role as a symbol of purity, love, and faith. The prayer service focused on her virtues, urging the students to emulate her qualities in their lives.
Following the prayer, a flower offering was made at the statue of Mother Mary by a group of students. This act of devotion symbolized their respect and love for Mother Mary. A short prayer for peace and blessings was offered, with students praying for health, happiness, and guidance for their families and the world.
Activities and Events
- Hymn Singing and Prayer Songs:
Students participated in a hymn singing session, where they sang devotional songs in honor of Mother Mary. The songs were soulful and reverent, capturing the essence of Mother Mary’s compassion and maternal love. Popular hymns like “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman” and “Immaculate Mary” were sung by a choir of students, filling the school with spiritual energy and devotion. - Poetry Recitation:
A group of students recited heartfelt poems dedicated to Mother Mary. These poems reflected on her role as a symbol of purity and strength. Some poems focused on her role in the lives of the faithful, while others praised her virtues of love and kindness. The recitations were moving and inspired the audience to reflect on the qualities that make Mother Mary a revered figure in Christianity. - Short Skit on the Life of Mother Mary:
A short skit was presented by a group of students, depicting important moments in the life of Mother Mary, such as the Annunciation (the moment when Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus), her Visit to Elizabeth, and her presence during key events in the life of Jesus. The skit beautifully captured her faith, humility, and unconditional love for God and humanity, and was well received by the audience. - Art and Craft Exhibition:
An art and craft exhibition was organized to showcase the creative talents of the students. The exhibition featured a variety of paintings, drawings, and crafts of Mother Mary, created using different mediums like watercolor, pencil sketches, and clay. The students used their creativity to portray Mother Mary in various forms, emphasizing her gentleness, grace, and love. The art pieces were displayed in the school hall for all to admire. - Candle Lighting Ceremony:
A candle lighting ceremony took place, symbolizing the light and love that Mother Mary brings into the world. Students walked in procession, holding lit candles and praying silently for peace, love, and blessings in their lives and the world. The ceremony was serene and reflective, with students praying for guidance and strength to live according to the virtues of Mother Mary. - Blessing of Students and Teachers:
After the candle lighting, a special blessing ceremony was held for all the students and teachers. The school chaplain blessed the students, asking for God’s protection and guidance in their academic pursuits and personal lives. The blessing served as a reminder for students to live with faith, kindness, and humility, just as Mother Mary did.
Closing Ceremony
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by a student representative, who expressed gratitude to the teachers, students, and staff for their active participation in making the event memorable. The Principal addressed the assembly, emphasizing the importance of Mother Mary’s virtues and encouraging the students to incorporate her teachings into their daily lives. The Principal also reminded students that, just like Mother Mary, they too can make a positive difference in the world by spreading love, kindness, and compassion.
The day ended with a group photograph, capturing the joyful and spiritual atmosphere of the celebration.
Conclusion
The Mother Mary Birthday Celebration at Holy Cross International School, Boisar West, on 11th October 2022, was a beautiful and spiritually enriching event. The activities organized throughout the day helped students reflect on the virtues of Mother Mary and inspired them to lead lives filled with kindness, humility, and faith.
The event not only provided students with a deeper understanding of Mother Mary’s significance but also fostered a sense of community and unity. It was a day of devotion, reflection, and celebration, and it left an indelible mark on the hearts of all those who participated.
