By I P Sarto
Burdwan: Youth of Kamarpara parish, about 150 km northwest of Kolkata, celebrated Christmas with biblical competitions on December 26.
Youth from four villages of Kamarpara St. Paul’s parish in Asansol diocese had drawing, singing, dance and quiz competitions based on Christmas theme.
These biblical competitions enhance their knowledge on the Bible, said Mr. Mathias Murmu, a local teacher who judged the competitions.
“Jesus is the model for youth and he stood for Human values”, said Holy Cross Sister Christin Joseph from Calcutta while appreciating the youth.
“Do not be afraid” is the Christmas message in the Gospels. So we youth need to be courageous and give this message of not to be afraid of any evil to all people in our villages, added Sr. Christin, National Training Team member of Small Christian Communities.
The youth need to stand with those who are unjustly oppressed and exploited and give hope to those who are frightened, added Sr.Christin while giving the Christmas message at the end of the competitions.
The youth of our parish made the crib, decorated the Church and conducted prayer service in different villages, added Fr. Stephen Britto, Parish priest of Kamarpara. They conduct Gospel sharing and lead SCC meetings in the villages, said Fr. Britto.
All the competitions were held in groups to develop cooperation and trust among the youth, said Bro. Nirmal Mardi, Regent in the parish. These competitions made us to read and listen to the Bible attentively, said Lokhi Tudu, a Higher Secondary School student of the parish.
Kamarpara mission was established in 2006 dividing from Holy Family Parish, Nuta. Fr. Henry Rodrigues, the first resident pastor lived in a hut for faith formation. In 2012 a small community center and priest residence was built. In 2017 it was made a parish by Bishop Cyprian Monis of Asansol.\
The day concluded with fellowship Christmas meal prepared by youth for all the youth of the parish.
We live in a world where there is “cut-throat competition” in every sector. The logic of competition – i.e. “I win and you lose” – is not healthy for a mature society.
Every person is unique, filled with abundant capacities, abilities and talents. Hence, we need to encourage people to develop their talents. Such events will be meaningful if we call them “Talent Shows”. There should not any prizes, rather, a word of appreciation is mandatory for every participant.