CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
AT GOOD SHEPHERD SEMINARY, BARODA
AT GOOD SHEPHERD SEMINARY, BARODA
One can never forget the speech of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 15th Aug 1947, with which the nation India woke up breathing in the air of freedom to herald a new beginning. "At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new…India discovers herself again." The Good Shepherd community too woke up with a fresh air of freedom on 15th of Aug 2011, to celebrate Independence day as well as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These twin events are very special to our hearts.
The day commenced with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Paul D’Silva. The tri-colour decorations at the altar, melodious vernacular hymns of different regions, and the touch of inculturation in the liturgy were some of the highlights of the solemnity. In the homily our Rector explained the Dogma of the Assumption. It was a day to rejoice with Mother Mary who was totally set free and was assumed into heaven body and soul. Because of her “Yes”, God’s plan to set the whole world free, began. And we reflected upon the ‘Magnificat’, - the liberation song of Mother Mary.
After the Eucharist we proceeded to celebrate our Independence and pay respect to the national flag. The chief guest of the day, the senior most member of our community Fr. Pablo Gil, hoisted the nation flag. The commander-in-chief Bro. Deepak gave orders to perform the right actions at the right time. Then Bro. Pradeep gave us the inspirational speech of the day. In his speech he mainly referred to corruption, one of the current issues of the nation. It was filled with gusto and fire. It looked as if he continued from where Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had left. Lastly, as part of day’s celebrations we also took part in an essay competition. The theme of the essay was, “My cry for Freedom- Set India Free, Once Again.” Truly these twin celebrations brought a twinkle in our life!
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