World Day of Migrants 2025 - Holy Cross Church, Nashik

A colourful festival of Karam was held on Sunday, September 21 as part of the World day of Migrants under the direction of Bishop Barthol Barretto and Fr Neville Fernandes CSsR, in-charge of the Migrants in the Diocese of Nashik. Among the attendees were people from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa along with the Religious Sisters, postulants, novices and priests. The Holy Cross Church in Nashik served as the venue for this cultural event.

The event began with the solemn Holy Eucharist at 4.30 p.m., with vibrant singing and dancing. Bp Barthol’s homily encouraged the faithful to consider the significance of Karam from a Christian perspective, prompting them to look with gratitude towards the Creator and the environment. The Bishop echoed the views of Pope Francis of revered memory, stating that nature is our heritage and we must live in harmony with it. From a spiritual perspective, protecting nature is also our responsibility. The Eucharist was indeed a Heavenly experience.

Immediately after the Eucharist, the participants gathered in the Community Hall where under the leadership of Sr Prisca Tirkey RSCJ, we were introduced to very interesting stories related to Karma handed down traditionally by the elders of the community. Sr Prisca explained the essence of Karma and said that this festival is not only a symbol of our culture and tradition, but also a symbol of our faith and hope to the participants. For centuries, the tribal society considered Karma Devta as the protector of food and prosperity; through this tradition they realized that they have no existence without nature. To understand this precious culture of ours in more depth, the participants were divided into four groups through a questionnaire, and after in-depth discussions, conclusions were drawn and shared with each other. It was indeed an enlightening session for all.

A stunning performance by the postulants of the Queen of the Apostles and the Novices from St Joseph's Convent in Igatpuri was part of the colourful entertainment.  People felt like they were in their native land after witnessing their cultural attire and tribal dance, resulting in a family-like atmosphere.

The entire programme concluded with a delicious meal.

Fr Xavier Kandulna OP