CHENNAI – In an era when everyone feels bound to compete for survival, sometimes it is easy to forget that we are with fellow companions. Amidst a tight schedule the DGSS staff, students and parents allotted January 23rd as a day for the amusement of the special children, taking them to a nearby theater for a film screening. The event was organized by the of DGSS director, Fr. S. A. Lourduraj. It was a time of making melody to the children.
Chennai – The Tamil festival of harvest, Pongal, was celebrated at Don Guanella Special School on January 12th infused with Indian culture and tradition. On this special day, the entire DGSS community celebrated Pongal by sharing Indian traditions. The children participated in the program with their parents. The staff and children dressed up in dhoti and saree creating a complete festive mood on campus. The celebration began with traditional games and competitions for the parents. Then some traditional games like pot breaking, musical chairs and Rongoli competition were organized for the children. Traditional dances were performed and singing resounded. The program ended with a thanksgiving prayer. God, nature and all those who helped organize the festive were recognized and thanked in a meaningful way.
Chennai – It is mid-November again and time for a very special occasion, November 14th is Children’s Day. The day is celebrated across the nation to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. On this day, Don Guanella Special School celebrated with delight by giving a meticulous program by staff. The event began with a prayer song and continued with wonderful dances by staff. All of the performances gave life to the children, who admired the teachers dance and their joy was doubled. Children had a very good time and returned home with great happiness.
Chennai – Don Guanella Major Seminary was glad to celebrate the feast of St. Louis Guanella on October 24th. In view of the solemn feast, the flag was hoisted by the Provincial Superior on October 15th and the novena began. Each day was organized with different themes and by a different resource person of the community. Different groups animated the nine days, including the Guanellian Lay Movement, Guanellian Youth Movement, Don Guanella Special School, Don Guanella Evening School and Don Guanella Major Seminary under the direction of the community fathers. On the final day there was a solemn celebration which included the religious from neighboring communities, GLM, GYM, Beneficiaries and other well wishers of our mission. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Provincial. After Mass a festive meal was shared with all the guests.
Chennai – Don Guanella Special School organized Family Day on August 16th for all the families of the school. DGSS extended its invitation in order to rekindle the spirit of St. Guanella and to walk in his footsteps. The event began with physical nourishment which was provided in the form of party games to the parents. A fancy dress competition was held for the children. The chief guests for the day were Fr. Samson and Fr. Francis, who distributed prizes and encouraged the parents and children to actively participate. At the end of the program gifts were given to the winners as tokens of appreciation. The event ended with a blessing and a happy spirit.
Chennai – Life is busy, but it is also beautiful. Don Guanella Special School organized a one-day picnic for special children to Kailasa Kona, a famous waterfall. Fr. Lourduraj, the director, along with the children, staff and parents gathered at the school on August 11th. The children were very happy to go on this adventure; it was a new experience for them and kind of relaxing. After having toured the park, the children ate lunch and completed the rest of the programs. After evening snacks and tea everyone arrived at the school. All were very grateful that Fr. Lourduraj organized this event.
Chennai – Don Guanella Special School is grateful to all the generous hearts who help in its daily activities. On June 22nd Mrs. Sundaravalli, the collector of Thiruvulur District, donated two wheelchairs and 17 walkers for our special children. We are always grateful for their generous contribution to our mission. Fr. S. A. Lourduraj the director of DGSS approached the collector’s office to request the wheelchairs and she was generous enough to provide them knowing the need and mission that DGSS offers for the special children of the greater Thiruvulur District. On receiving the items Fr. Lourduraj expressed his vote of sincere thanks to the collector. We firmly believe that God’s providence never stops knocking on the door of the needy and abandoned.
Chennai – After a six week summer vacation Don Guanella Special School reopened on June 6th. Fr. Samson, Superior, celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit in the presence of Fr. S. A. Lourdu Raj, the director, Fr. Michael the assistant director, staff, children and their parents. It was a grace filled time for the children and parents, after the long gap of their summer holidays. There were 30 new admissions this year, which is a sign of God’s desire for the Guanellian mission to extend to far places. During the inaugural Mass Fr. Samson emphasized that God loves us and therefore He entrusts the vulnerable to our loving care, hence with joy and vigor we need to love our mission.
Chennai – On October 11th the DGMS Campus celebrated the birthday of Fr. S.A Lourduraj, director of Don Guanella Special School. In the morning he was greeted by the good children and their teachers with prayers and gifts. The school put on a cultural program wishing him well and praying for his ministry. In the evening, he celebrated Mass with the community as a thanksgiving offering for the gift of his life and for Providence in his life. He also prayed for the congregation, the community and its welfare. The birthday celebration continued with a special program by the community. Fr. Lourduraj cut the birthday cake. Bro. Kumar felicitated him with poetic words on behalf of the community and the superior acknowledged him in a special way. With a delicious dinner and thanks from Fr. Lourduraj, the celebration came to an end.
Chennai – On July 19th the ‘See and Learn’ program was scheduled. About 35 special children and the staff journeyed to Besant Nagar, Our Lady of Good Health Church, St. Antony Church, Palavakkam and Athistalakshimi Temple at Chennai. The purpose of this program is to give faith formation to children. Fr. S.A. Lourduraj led the journey by explaining the purpose of this visit and they also made time for the children to enjoy relaxation of the mind. The program ended with the blessings and good experience of the children. Don Guanella Special School was happy to welcome Fr. Soosai as he made his canonical visit. After the visit Fr. Samson, community superior, and all the staff gathered for the reading of the school project and the fraternal sharing of the mission. The Provincial gave a motivational address on how a Guanellian educator should differentiate from a secular way of educating the good children. At the culmination of the meeting, the school staff presented the new proposals for the development of the school. With the celebration of Mass the canonical visit successfully came to an end and all shared a fellowship meal.
Servants of Charity 