By I P Sarto
Talbona: Talbona parish of Asansol diocese on March 21 celebrated men’s day to mark Saint Joseph’s feast.
Talbona village, about 150 km north of Kolkata, celebrated the feast on a Sunday for the convenience of the people. Saint Joseph feast falls on March 19.
During the Mass, the women of the parish prayed for all men – elderly, husbands, adult, youth, students and boys.
“We shall pray for our men folk daily that they follow the example of Saint Joseph,” said Deepa Soren, leader of women’s group in the parish.
Father Alexius Tudu, coordinator of the Small Christian Communities in the West Bengal diocese, exhorted the men to follow the virtues of Saint Joseph such as humility, listening and obedience to the Word of God, besides being just and faithful.
The men went in a procession to the church and the women led them with an entrance dance before the Mass. After the Liturgy a detailed session on “Patris Corde” by Pope Francis was taken for the parishioners to educate them on the importance and purpose of the year of Saint Joseph.
The parishioners decided to recite the prayer to Saint Joseph composed by the Pope everyday at home. They planned to honor all working men on the feast of Saint Joseph the worker on May 1 this year.
The parish will hold village level procession of Saint Joseph to mark the year, said Father Avinash Kumar, priest-in-charge of the mission.
This is the first time in the parish history of Talbona, started in 2008, that men are honored and special prayers were offered for them, said Jiten Hansda, parish council Secretary.