Doot Day celebrated at Rajkot

Dear Friends,

Sharing with you the joy of the Doot Day celebrated at Rajkot on Sunday, July 11th.

Please Click to view the photoes




The Celebration at Rajkot:

It was a joyful occasion for the people of Rajkot to celebrate the Doot Sunday on 11th July. Bishop Gregory celebrated the well-prepared mass at 8 am in Mochi Bazar Parish Church. Special prayers, offerings and aarti were prepared to add Doot-flavor to the holy mass. Bishop had asked me to prepare the homily and so, I preached in both the languages (English and Gujarati). I very specially mentioned about the starting of the Doot magazine by the missionaries who did not know how to read or write Gujarati. There were very few literate people among the local Christians in 1911. In spite of all these odds the aim was much higher - they wanted to reach the message of Christ to far and wide. Today after 100 years we see the growth of this magazine and its good impact on our society. Both the parish-priests were present for the high-mass.

Soon after the mass everyone gathered in the parish hall for the short but meaningful cultural program. The very noticeable character of the program was - there was not a single 'Gujarati' on the stage. The whole program was executed by other people than gujaratis. There were cultural items from both the parishes of Rajkot.

Doot documentary - Shabda ni Gati Doot ni Sadee which was released at the end of the mass, was projected on the screen for all gathered. Bishop Gregory in his speech stressed on increasing the subscription. He insisted on getting at least 100 subscription on the day. He requested both the parish-priests to encourage the faithfuls belonging to Rajkot, to subscribe to the magazine. In his characteristic style he reiterated the request especially to those who have migrated from other states to Gujarat and are trying to make this place their home to have this magazine in their drawing room. He mentioned that in spite of the handicap for the Gujarati language those missionaries started this magazine, so, we have greater responsibility to take this mission to greater heights even if we lack the knowledge of Gujarati. Let others who visit our homes have a look at this beautiful work of spreading the values and life of Jesus. He invited people to gift a subscription to their friends and relatives on birthdays and other feast days, so that those who will receive the magazine month after month will remember the thoughtful and loving gesture for a whole year.

The whole program was brought to much cheer by the singing sensation Tony who led everyone to dance on the famous number from 3 idiots - All is well. Tea and snacks were served to all the present for the program.The team of enthusiastic people led by Fr. Francis the PP of Mochi Bazar Church and the team of Prem Mandir Parish led by the PP Fr. Jacob M. worked very hard to give an excellent flavor to the whole centenary celebration of Doot. Mr. Ashok Christian, Oswal Menenzes, Valerian & Anita D'souza, Norbert Menenzes, Ilias Miranda, Stella Menenzes, Darrel Dias, Rajesh Christian, Shreyas Thakar and Wilfred Ambrose were among the leading persons who helped shape the entire Doot Day in Rajkot.

Go Doot

News and photoes by Fr. Ashok S.J.