Holy Childhood Day Celebrated with Skit and Costume Contest in Baruipur Diocese

Baruipur, West Bengal, February 24, 2025— The Diocese of Baruipur marked Holy Childhood Day with a skit competition and a ‘Go as You Like’ contest at Dishari Pastoral Centre on February 16, 2025. Organised by Fr. Tushar Augustine Gomes, Director of the Holy Childhood Association of Baruipur Diocese, the event saw the participation of 170 Sunday School children from 16 parishes and substations. The celebration aimed to encourage the creativity of the children while deepening their understanding of biblical teachings. Most Rev. Shyamal Bose, Bishop of Baruipur Diocese, graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Fr. Benjamin Roy MC was the special guest of honour.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Fr. Gautam Naskar, Director of Dishari Pastoral Centre. In the skit competition, children enacted parables from the Bible. Five groups presented different versions of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, each offering a unique interpretation. Another group performed the Parable of the Prodigal Son, effectively conveying the distress of the lost son and the father’s unconditional forgiveness. Some performances featured innovative ideas, such as a steward in the Parable of the Talents who received five talents after cultivating hybrid vegetables and another individual who received two talents after starting a poultry farm.

The ‘Go as You Like’ contest saw individual participants dressed as biblical figures such as Moses, Mother Mary, and the Crucified Christ, along with saints like St. Vincent De Paul. The enthusiasm and deep faith of the young participants were evident in their portrayals.

In his address, Most Rev. Shyamal Bose, Bishop of Baruipur Diocese, explained to the children how the Holy Childhood Association of Baruipur Diocese was established to support underprivileged children. Urging them to be contributors rather than mere receivers, he emphasised the importance of generosity and service.

Fr. Benjamin Roy MC, who was the special guest for the function, shared an inspiring anecdote about a young girl who gave up sugar for six months to donate two kilograms of sugar to Mother Teresa for children at Shishu Bhawan. He urged the children to follow her example and make small sacrifices to help those in need.

Fr. Sarajit Modal, Vocation Promoter of the Diocese of Baruipur, delivered the vote of thanks, encouraging the children to consider religious vocations. The event concluded with a prayer and a blessing from the bishop, leaving attendees with a profound message of faith, generosity, and commitment to service.

By Fr. Pradeep Roy