CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM ST. MARY’S SCHOOL ICSE & ISC

Many people have seen a Christmas Crib with the animals, the Three Wise Men and the shepherds, the angels, the Mother and the Child lying in the manger. But not so many know its full religious meaning.

If we had been making arrangements for the birth of the Son of God, we would probably have sought the most magnificent palace, the family of the most powerful king, the capital city of the world’s richest country. But this was not God’s way. He chose a small nation, an unknown village and the daughter of a poor family.

The Father of Jesus was God Himself but He gave this honour to an honest young man, named Joseph, the task of looking after Mary and her Child. So, Mary and Joseph set off on the eighty-mile journey to Bethlehem to be registered just at the time when Mary’s child was about to be born.

When they arrived, crowds had come there for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus and there was no room for them anywhere—no room for God Himself who had come to save all men from death due to their sins.

So, Joseph found a cave on the side of a hill and there, with none of the comforts of a home or some proper shelter, in the company of animals, Jesus Christ, the Saviour of all men, was born – – a helpless little child with the world’s most loving mother, who laid him gently in a manger (or feed-box) for animals.

SANTA CLAUS (ST. NICHOLAS)

Santa Claus – that cheery face that smiles out of Christmas cards and shop – windows, is the all-time favourite of little children. But even this genial old man has a religious link.

The figure of Santa Claus can be traced to the person of St. Nicholas, a 4th century Bishop of Myra, in Turkey, who, according to a popular legend, tossed bags of gifts into the homes of families facing starvation, and helped lost sailors and penniless prisoners, and even girls with no dowries to save them from prostitution.

STAR OF BETHLEHEM

Traditionally, a star is put up outside Christian homes during the Season of Christmas – from 24th December to 6th January. It is a sign that the Christ Child dwells there. Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus, and the Star led the Three Wise Men or Magi there to adore the baby lying in a manger.

THE CHRISTMAS CRIB

This custom of making a miniature Crib in homes is a long-standing tradition with Christians. It was started by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. Typically, it is designed as a cave, in line with various written accounts of the circumstances of Christ’s birth. “There was no room for Him in the Inn – and He was laid in a Manger.”

Figurines of Mary and Joseph are placed in the Crib. On 24th December at midnight, the Christ Child is solemnly enthroned. The family gathers together, each with a lighted candle, the youngest holding the figurine of the Christ Child; they process through the home and place the Christ Child Jesus in the Crib while singing and praying.

CHRISTMAS TREE

Legend has it that this custom was started by St. Boniface who chopped a huge elm tree in half, right through the centre in one blow, and, a few days later, a fir tree sprouted in the middle. On Christmas Eve, he told people that the fir tree, known as “Paradise Tree,” pointed upward to the Christ Child. He urged them to take the tree into their homes as a sign of their joy at Christmas and decorate it.

As we celebrate the CHRISTMAS of this year, may this CHRISTMAS enlighten our minds and make us fight against the evils of terrorism, communal disharmony and all other inhuman acts which curb the hidden goodness that lies in all humanity.

This Christmas, let’s reflect on the true spirit of the season and extend our thoughts and prayers to those facing adversity. Unfortunately, the traditional Christmas celebration in Bethlehem has been cancelled, and in Gaza. People are enduring challenging situations with a heavy heart. Amidst these difficult times it’s disheartening to witness the plight of innocent children who are experiencing unimaginable hardships. As we gather with our loved ones during this festive season, let’s also remember those who are facing adversity and strive to spread kindness, compassion and hope for a brighter future.

I conclude on a note “Thanksgiving” for this year, as we pass from 2023 to 2024. For all that has been “Thanks. “To all that shall be “Yes”. May this Christmas bring peace and harmony into your homes and may the New Year be one of HOPE,JOY, and LOVE.

Fr. Dr. Francis Swamy S.J.
Director

Many people have seen a Christmas Crib with the animals, the Three Wise Men and the shepherds, the angels, the Mother and the Child lying in the manger. But not so many know its full religious meaning.

If we had been making arrangements for the birth of the Son of God, we would probably have sought the most magnificent palace, the family of the most powerful king, the capital city of the world’s richest country. But this was not God’s way. He chose a small nation, an unknown village and the daughter of a poor family.

The Father of Jesus was God Himself but He gave this honour to an honest young man, named Joseph, the task of looking after Mary and her Child. So, Mary and Joseph set off on the eighty-mile journey to Bethlehem to be registered just at the time when Mary’s child was about to be born.

When they arrived, crowds had come there for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus and there was no room for them anywhere—no room for God Himself who had come to save all men from death due to their sins.

So, Joseph found a cave on the side of a hill and there, with none of the comforts of a home or some proper shelter, in the company of animals, Jesus Christ, the Saviour of all men, was born – – a helpless little child with the world’s most loving mother, who laid him gently in a manger (or feed-box) for animals.

SANTA CLAUS (ST. NICHOLAS)

Santa Claus – that cheery face that smiles out of Christmas cards and shop – windows, is the all-time favourite of little children. But even this genial old man has a religious link.

The figure of Santa Claus can be traced to the person of St. Nicholas, a 4th century Bishop of Myra, in Turkey, who, according to a popular legend, tossed bags of gifts into the homes of families facing starvation, and helped lost sailors and penniless prisoners, and even girls with no dowries to save them from prostitution.

STAR OF BETHLEHEM

Traditionally, a star is put up outside Christian homes during the Season of Christmas – from 24th December to 6th January. It is a sign that the Christ Child dwells there. Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus, and the Star led the Three Wise Men or Magi there to adore the baby lying in a manger.

THE CHRISTMAS CRIB

This custom of making a miniature Crib in homes is a long-standing tradition with Christians. It was started by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. Typically, it is designed as a cave, in line with various written accounts of the circumstances of Christ’s birth. “There was no room for Him in the Inn – and He was laid in a Manger.”

Figurines of Mary and Joseph are placed in the Crib. On 24th December at midnight, the Christ Child is solemnly enthroned. The family gathers together, each with a lighted candle, the youngest holding the figurine of the Christ Child; they process through the home and place the Christ Child Jesus in the Crib while singing and praying.

CHRISTMAS TREE

Legend has it that this custom was started by St. Boniface who chopped a huge elm tree in half, right through the centre in one blow, and, a few days later, a fir tree sprouted in the middle. On Christmas Eve, he told people that the fir tree, known as “Paradise Tree,” pointed upward to the Christ Child. He urged them to take the tree into their homes as a sign of their joy at Christmas and decorate it.

As we celebrate the CHRISTMAS of this year, may this CHRISTMAS enlighten our minds and make us fight against the evils of terrorism, communal disharmony and all other inhuman acts which curb the hidden goodness that lies in all humanity.

I conclude on a note “Thanksgiving” for this year, as we pass from 2022 to 2023. For all that has been “Thanks. “To all that shall be “Yes”. May this Christmas bring peace and harmony into your homes and may the New Year be one of HOPE,JOY, and LOVE.

Fr. Dr. Francis Swamy S.J.
Director

Dear Parents of the Kindergarten to Class 10,

The academic year 2021 – 2022 commenced not so positively as the abrupt surge in Covid 19 cases, constricted learning to online again. Yet, as time went by, the situation improved and slowly we began to see light at the end of the tunnel. After commencing classes in small phases, we were finally able to get back to normal classroom learning with full strength, and our children could finally come together to experience those aspects of childhood which are vital to their growth. Our staff worked tirelessly to give the best to our children and went all out to connect with them not just intellectually but also emotionally, psychologically and socially. The PTA body too has been extremely helpful and proactive.

I would like to go on record by acknowledging the support and cooperation from you dear parents. Through the pandemic, St. Mary’s stood rock-solid against all adversities, and this has been possible because of your constant support, cooperation and motivation.

A big thank you and warm welcome to our administrator Fr. Callistus Menezes S.J. Together with Ms Clementine Monteiro the Principal, Ms. Nirmala Fernandes the Supervisor of the Primary Section, Ms. Sandra Fernandes the Supervisor of the Pre-primary Section, Mr. Elias Coelho and Mr Austin Vas the academic coordinators of the Secondary Section, other Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, and our teachers we wish you ‘A Very Happy Summer Vacation!’ May God Bless you all!

The new academic year for the students of Classes 1 to 10 will commence on Wednesday, 8^th June 2022. Until then, I wish your children a happy and restful holiday.

Thank You,

God Bless!

Fr (Dr) Francis Swamy, S.J

Director

Dear Staff, Parents and my dear students,

As the country celebrates its Republic Day, it’s a moment of pride to all of us because our country has succeeded in conducting one of the world’s biggest vaccination drives in a short span of time. India’s frontline health warriors have shown sterling courage in spite of adverse circumstances.

However, this is a lone bright star on the horizon as we celebrate the Republic Day this year. The country has been gradually getting gripped by the trend of majoritarianism which has become a threat to the lofty vision of the Constitutional Fathers of the nation. The noble values of tolerance and inclusiveness is getting eroded.

The constitution of India came into force on 26^th January 1950 and India became a Sovereign Democratic Republic.  The new Constitution replaced the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.  The day, 26^th January was chosen because it was on this day in 1929 the Declaration of Indian independence (Poorna- Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress. It was a day on which India celebrated her unity in diversity.

Since the first Republic Day we Indians always look forward to January 26. A lot has changed over the years.  One cannot deny that India has made much progress on several fronts but there is much more to be done for the protection, preservation and the propagation of the Constitution of India.  The nation has witnessed the concerted and vicious attacks on minorities.

As school children how do we bring to fruition to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s dream of free and Republic India? By doing what we are doing well; by striving for excellence in our studies as students, by taking every challenge as an opportunity for betterment, by dreaming the impossible dream and by walking our talk.

You my dear students you have enough talents, discipline and determination to achieve goals you set for yourselves. With courage, strength and tenacity, you can strive to achieve the stars……. for, the sky is the limit.

My dear students, you need to ask a question, does my school education help me to raise my voice against injustice, bondage, slavery, mistrust, dishonesty, inequality, violence against women, children and nature? Does it disturb me? Only this uneasiness will motivate us to be convinced and do something concrete. Then we can become persons who will walk the talk.

May this 73^rd Republic Day remind us of the struggle and sacrifices of the great freedom fighters, founders and leaders who formulated the Indian Constitution.  May we take the responsibility to treasure it and put them into practice which will bring forth happiness, prosperity, and well being of all.

Jai Hind!

Fr. Dr. Francis Swamy S.J.

Director