Pre-Exam Prayer Service and Blessings: Kottara Ward's Special Initiative for Children of Derebail Parish

The Children & Youth of Kottara ward gathered at the residence of Mrs. Lizzy Dsilva for a pre exam prayover on 16th of February at 3 pm. A total of 23 youth, including 3 from other wards who were invited by our youth attended the prayer over.

A separate committee has been formed consisting of a few parents and youth to assist the Gurkar in planning specific programs for the youth and children with an intent to increase their participation in the ward activities. The first suggestion from this committee was to kickstart the year by having a prayover for the youth of the ward as they get ready to answer their exams in the coming days and weeks.

The prayover started with a brief introduction from Mrs. Monthy Andrade, highlighting the purpose of the prayover. This was followed by the hymn, 'Thank you Lord'.

Mrs. Lavisha Castelino lead the programme which was well prepared with readings from the scripture and prayers.

This was followed by the youth leading the thanks giving prayers for all the blessings received including the gift of life, for their parents, teachers and for the opportunity to be educated.

Hansel Castelino, a youth from the ward read the Word of God and this followed by a brief reflection by Fr. Kevin.

Post this, specific petitions were raised by the parents who were present for the prayover.

The prayover included a prayer to the Holy Spirit lead by the Gurkar Mike Dsilva and continued with the invocation of the Holy Spirit through singing of hyms. Fr. Kevin and Deacon Chinnappa prayed individually over the youth and children that were gathered for the prayover.

The prayover concluded with the Lord's prayer followed by an action song. Deacon Chinapppa shared his message on this occasion. Refreshments were served post the completion of the prayover.

While concluding the gathering, the Gurkar gave a gist of the activities planned by the committee for the youth and children of Kottara ward in the coming months and requested them to take part wholeheartedly in all the upcoming programs.