Feast of St. Ignatius adds colour to Xavocristi

- Soma Gomes & Gabriel Gomes

Kolkata: The Christian staff and students of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata celebrated the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Monday, 31st July, 2017.The celebration began with the Eucharistic celebration in the morning presided over by The Vicar General, Fr. Dominic Gomes, S.J., and concelebrated by Fr. Jerome Francis S.J., Fr. Gaston Roberge S.J., Fr. Probal Gomes S.J., Fr.Timir Singha S.J. and Fr. M. S. Arockiasamy S.J. The inspiring message based on the Ignatian thoughts and values, urging all, to be men & women for others, made the Homily by the main celebrant very meaningful and apt for the occasion.

 The melodious Choir led by Mr.J. Menezes and the meticulous planning done by the CLC Group and Teachers of the Primary & Secondary School brought out the significance of the Feast Day Mass beautifully. On the occasion the C.L.C. unit of St. Xavier's Collegiate school organised their annual Xavochristi’17, an inter- school Christian students’ fest. The theme for the fest was Pray. Serve. Love. Catholic students of 11 schools including the host school participated in this fest. The chief guest, Vicar Gen. Fr. Dominic Gomes’ inaugural message inspired the students. Fr. Benny Thomas, Principal of St. Xavier' s Collegiate school, beautifully described the essence of the fest, explained the meaning of the theme and declared the fest open.

The events for the fest were debate, art, quiz, music and dance. The motion for the debate was: In today's world, prayers have lost relevance with the youth. Loreto Sealdah emerged the winner of the debate and quiz completions and the first prize for Art and Dance competition was won by St. Antony’s High school. The host school St. Xavier’s collegiate school was awarded first prize for singing. Three schools, St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, St.Anthony’s High school and Loreto Sealdah emerged as the overall winners. The Runner Ups were Loreto House, Loreto

Convent, Entally.

The fest had a grand closing ceremony. Displaying a spirit of oneness, the host school St. Xavier's handed over the winner’s trophy and the gift hampers to St. Anthony's High School and Loreto Sealdah.

The hard work of the students and teachers under the able guidance of Vice Principal Fr. M.S. Arockiaswamy SJ made this event a roaring success. At the end of the day, there was a small memento for each and every student.....the message that each one of them is a winner!