First Holy Communion

E. Providence – The second grade students of Sacred Heart School had the culmination of their year-long preparation for Holy Communion on Sunday, May 7th. It is a parish tradition for the children to experience the miracle of transubstantiation on the altar up close to Fr. Silvio. This year there was a special priest present to concelebrate the Mass, Fr. Jeremy Rodrigues, uncle of one of the first communicants. At the same celebration the children in their First Communion attire crowned the Blessed Mother statue following the tradition of the Catholic Church.

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The Feast of St. Francis Xavier

Vatluru – The faithful of Showripuram, one of the Sacred Heart Parish substations, celebrated the solemnity of their patron, St. Francis Xavier, on December 3rd. Fr. Peter Joseph, parish priest, blessed and began a procession of St. Francis Xavier; the faithful carrying the statue around their village with great devotion. Later, everyone gathered at the entrance to the village in order to welcome their shepherd Most. Rev. Jeyarao Polilmera, Bishop of Eluru, who was to preside over Holy Mass. They greeted him with garlands and a shawl and brought him in procession to the church. He then hoisted the flag of St. Francis Xavier and proceeded to begin the Festival Mass concelebrated by the priests. A short cultural program was performed following Mass in order to felicitate His grace. The entire village was happy and they thanked the Lord for the gift of their patron saint.

Feast Day Festival

E. Providence – Sacred Heart Parish celebrated its patron feast this year with a fun, family festival June 12-14th. It is a great time for everyone who comes out, they can enjoy carnival games, food, friendship and of course encounters with Christ. The Knights of Columbus lead a procession of the Blessed Sacrament through the neighborhood surrounding the church after Sunday Mass.

Receiving Holy Communion

E. Providence – Sacred Heart Parish celebrated First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 3, 2015. Approximately 20 young boys and girls received the Eucharist of the Lord for the first time. Sandy Duarte helped to prepare the children to receive their sacraments. Fr. Silvio De Nard, SdC celebrated the Mass, joyfully giving them the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time.
Let us continue to pray for these youngsters as they look forward to many years of meeting Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

Parish Feast Celebrated

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E. Providence – Sacred Heart Parish celebrated its patron Feast June 14-15th. Saturday’s festivities started after 5pm Mass until 10 p.m. There were games, an auction, and Portuguese and American Food. After the 11am Mass on Sunday there was a procession around the neighborhood with the Blessed Sacrament. The participants recited the rosary. Some parish children, including members of the First Communion class, carried the big rosary and parishioners carried statues of the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Fatima as well as the Holy Spirit Flag, a Portuguese tradition. Fr. Silvio, Fr. Peter, and the Provincial Council were present. The procession was followed by a day of games, food, and fun for all ages.

First Holy Communion

Vatluru – There was great joy in the lives of 20 children who received Christ for the first time in their lives on May 25th at the Sacred Heart Parish who received First Holy Communion. For nearly a month they were trained in Catechesis and basic spirituality. Fathers, sisters and brothers taught them the importance of receiving Christ into their hearts. On that precious day, clad in white like little angels they received the Eucharist after making a genuine confession. Rev. Fr. Vijay Rayarala presided over the mass and preached the homily.

Marian Spirituality Fostered in May

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E. Providence – May was a month full of spiritual growth for the students at Sacred Heart School. The second graders received their First Holy Communion and were featured in their Communion garments at the May Crowning. Mrs. Chalmers even brought the first graders to Adoration where they were all so excited to recite the Rosary in its entirety. Thank you Mary for guiding the children through the month dedicated to your honor.

Preparing to Recieve the Lord

E. Providence – In order to be properly  prepared to receive their First Holy Communion, several children  made a formal profession of Faith. Fr. Silvio DeNard conducted a special ceremony in church with the assistance of Sr. Nancy McLennon DSMP.

The Village Feast

Vatluru – The solemnity of Christ the King was celebrated as the village festival in Koppakagudem, one of 9 substations of Sacred Heart Parish. They held a novena for three days with prayer meetings in the evening. On November 24th the faithful of the village gathered in the chapel for evening Mass. Fr. Joseph Peter was the main celebrant and his confreres concelebrated. A festive meal was provided after Mass.

New Sight for the Needy

Vatluru – As a result of the medical camp that was conducted last month at Sacred Heart Parish, 15 elderly people who attended were taken to the hospital and treated for free; getting good care with much love. On November 24^th the Solemnity of Christ the King, they were given new glasses free of charge. Fr. Bosco Rajendra delivered the glasses to them. They were all so happy and thanked the Guanellians who brought new light into their lives.