By Fr I. C. Jacob, SDB

Incessant rains and the resultant puddles and water logged roads could not stop the parishioners of Auxilium Parish to participate in the inauguration of the Year of Faith on Oct 11.

Salesian Provincial Fr Thomas Ellicherail declared the Year of Faith open amidst applause, and lighted the Year of Faith torch.

Fr Robin Gomes the commentator said “By lighting the torch of faith, we will be ushered into the Year of Faith.” Fr Provincial hoisted the flag and lit the torch of faith while the song “Aguner porosh moni” was rendered by the parish choir.

In the meantime the balloon man was waiting at the entrance of the church with a set of around 25 aerated balloons along with a placard. Fr Provincial let off the balloons and they shot into the night sky, got intertwined.

Fr Ellicherail also released the Year of Faith programme folder and presented a copy to Ranjit Biswas while the choir sang, “More love, more power…”

Special rosaries made by MC Sisters were distributed to all. The luminous mysteries were recited in English, Hindi and Bengali. After the recitation of the rosary, the solemn Eucharistic cele-bration began.

It is hoped that the flame of faith lit at the beginning of the Year of Faith will continue to burn bright in Auxilium Parish in the days to come, which has a record of over 10,000 Christians. Let the flame of faith envelop the land, pointing THE WAY to many who still grope in darkness.

The celebration was intertwined with the belated feast of Fr Rosario Stroscio.

The presence of Archbishop Thomas D’Souza and Bishop Clement Tirkey from Jalpaiguri Diocese to falicitate Fr Strocio, added to the solemnity of the occasion.