The Carolian Family Picnic 2024 was held on 6th October 2024 at Mount Carmel Girls High School, Ajni, providing a day full of fun, fellowship, and creativity for all participants. The program was meticulously organized by the students of the 2nd year theology batch and attended by students, Fathers, and Sisters of St. Charles Seminary, Nagpur.
The day began with a royal procession, where each batch showcased different world cultures, adding a vibrant and colorful start to the event. Following the procession, the brothers of the 2nd year theology led everyone into the spirit of prayer through a heartfelt Bhajan, setting a peaceful tone for the day.
Fr. Aquin Noronha OP, the Rector, formally welcomed the gathering, giving special recognition to Sr. Emilda AC, the Superior of the Apostolic Carmel Sisters Community in Ajni. After the welcome address, Fr. Aquin declared the picnic officially open, and the participants eagerly joined in the day’s activities.
The outdoor games, organized by the 2nd year theology students, kicked off after the inaugural session. Participants from all batches actively engaged in the games, with the spirit of sportsmanship, unity, and brotherhood shining through. A short tea break was held at 11:30 AM, and the games resumed after the break, running until lunch at 1:15 PM.
During lunch, everyone enjoyed a sumptuous communal meal, which became a time of sharing and joy. The meal was a highlight of the day, fostering a deeper sense of fellowship and camaraderie among all present.
Following lunch, the focus shifted indoors, where various creative competitions took place. The 2nd year theology students organized various competitions each with a unique theme: the tableau competition focused on biblical themes of hope, the canvas-making competition centered on Marian apparitions, and the advertisement competition promoted vocations.
The judges for these events were Sr. Emilda AC, Sr. Humblin AC, and Fr. Anil D’Souza, who evaluated the presentations with keen interest. The sport dance competition also added a fun element to the afternoon, bringing laughter and energy to the audience. In addition, various community-building games were organized, enhancing the collective experience of joy and teamwork.
Bro. Sonu and his team entertained everyone with their lively action songs, getting all participants to join in and enjoy the moments of shared activity.
The picnic concluded with a formal address by Sr. Emilda AC, who appreciated the efforts and spirit of the participants. Fr. Aquin Noronha OP expressed gratitude to Sr. Emilda and the Apostolic Carmel Sisters community for their generosity in allowing the use of the school campus for the event.
After the address, prizes were distributed to the winners of the day’s competitions. The 1st year philosophy batch was awarded the prize for the most disciplined batch, while the 1st year theology students won the coveted overall championship.
Br. Hamaniush delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the day.
The day ended with refreshments for all participants, and a brief campus clean-up, showing the community’s commitment to stewardship and care for their environment. The entire event was meticulously organized by the second-year theology students, who ensured that every detail was attended to, making the Carolian Family Picnic 2024 a memorable and joyous occasion for all involved.
