Christmas at Evening School

Cuddalore– December 22^nd was a spirit filled evening for the students of St. Joseph’s Evening School. The auditorium was beautifully decorated and was filled with the students and their parents. Rev. Fr. Peter Sebastian, SdC and the other Guanellian priests were the special guests. The students were excited to stage their talents at the Christmas Celebration; they dramatized events surrounding the Birth of the Messiah and delivered other festive performances. Fr. Sebastian in his Christmas message said that, “Christ has to be allowed to be born in our hearts and lives every day.” The joy was multiplied by Christmas gifts and a delicious dinner.

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Children’s Day Celebration

Cuddalore  – Children’s Day in India falls on November 14th every year and for a good reason; it is celebrated on Pandit Nehru’s birthday as a day of fun and frolic, a celebration of childhood, and Nehruji’s love for them. Don Guanella Boys Home hosted the celebration on Sunday, November 18th. The children’s voices echoed with joy and happiness around the DGBH campus.The day began with different competitions: running, musical chairs, speeches and singing conducted for the children by the Guanellian fathers and sisters and the contribution of Sagaya Matha parishioners, Mr. Bosco and Mr. Savari Muthu.

Nearly 500 children from the surrounding area actively participated; Christian and Non-Christian alike. They got to spend time with each other; helping them to develop their talents and abilities as well as new friendships. Tiffin was served and Fr. Peter Sebastian distributed the prizes to winners of the games. He ended with an expression of thanks and blessings. This children’s day celebration was very simple, but it thrilled the hearts of children and their parents and helped many of the people understand and recognize the charity of our Founder, St. Louis Guanella.

Vocational Training at DGRC

Chennai – As vocational opportunities are rare and the Government is not showing much concern for the differently-abled, Don Guanella Rehabilitation Center arranged for an expert screen printer to teach the art to its special students.  Mr. Kathiravan, also a tutor with experience teaching special children, was precise and interesting as he taught three different methods of screen printing; chromelin, five star and direct. The direct method was very easy and fitting for our children to learn. Our special children Amul Jothi, Dheena, Thennarasu were impressed and moved by the way the printing was done.  They were given the opportunity to print the images on paper. They were happy with their success. Our hope is that screen printing will become a way for them to earn a living and contribute greatly to society.

New Evening School Begins

Mysore – The confreres have expanded their mission works by establishing a study center in a nearby village. On July 1^st, the new Evening School was inaugurated in a place called Harohalli for 70 children. Fr. Louis Baskar is the animator of the Evening School. He has appointed one teacher for the program and the confreres participate by assisting the teacher.

Inspirational Inauguration of Oratory

Bangalore – The inauguration of the Oratory was solemnly held on July 8^th at Guanella Preethi Nivas with Mrs. Luphia, Principal of Montfort School, as the chief guest. She lighted the lamp to begin the program and Fr. Visuwasam honored her with a shawl. The children made their presentations and showed their documentary movie, directed by Bro. Praveen. Mrs. Luphia was very impressed by the talents of the children and in her address; she encouraged them to help each other in all their activities and studies. Bro. Deva, the oratory leader, highlighted the year’s program schedule and the final act was a comic skit by Bros. Vinnarasan and Rajan, a real crowd pleaser. Fr. Samson, the Oratory in charge, gave closing remarks to the children; imploring them to help their parents with basic chores at home. The program ended with the presentation of notebooks and pens. The children enjoyed snacks after the final prayer.

Parents Meet at Don Guanella Evening School

“Work, work, work until you rest in heaven – St. Luigi Guanella.”

Chennai – On July 14^th, the parents of the Don Guanella Evening School children attended an informational meeting led by Bro. Periyanayaga Samy, Animator of the program. The opening prayer was a song by the children. The teachers gave an overview of the tuition program, gave a performance report of the children and expressed the expectations of the cooperation of the parents in educating their children. Some parents were not properly educated themselves and they want their children to be in a better position in this competitive society. The DGES is necessary due to insufficient study conditions in their poor and middle class homes. With a positive commitment from the parents, a hymn to St. Guanella and tea and snacks, the meeting ended.

“Education is a Matter of the Heart” – St. Louis Guanella

Chennai – Don Guanella Evening School kicked off the academic year in a simple way on June 24^th. The Chief-Guests, Rev. Fr. Soosai Rathinam and Mr.Jeganathan, were formally welcomed by the children. Nazreen, a student, spoke on the theme “Respect your Parents” and drew applause for her stirring speech. During his address, Mr. Jeganathan asked the children to be mindful of three things “DEVOTION, FEAR and STUDY,” and told of the importance of Evening School. The children were given mathematical tables and notebooks by the Chief-Guests to aid their study. The program ended with a hymn to St. Louis Guanella, the children had tea and snacks before going home.

Inauguration of St. Joseph’s Evening School

Cuddalore – On the eve of June 4^th the St. Joseph’s Evening School, an education assistance program, was inaugurated for 100 area students who have difficulty studying and doing homework at home. Special care is given to improve the condition of those attending the program. Rev. Peter Sebastian, SdC, Superior of the community, was the Guest of Honor; he instructed the children to work hard beginning at a young age in order to achieve great success in life. The children showcased their talents by performing dances, singing songs and dramatizing school time events.