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After his marathon travelling from Poland, to Germany to Switzerland and Delhi to receive the National Award at the hands of Hon'ble President of India Shri Pranab Mukerjee. Fr. Joe rushed to vasai to attend the VRACS Advisory Board meeting. As the end of the meeting both Fr. Joe and Bosco where were felicitated by the Board members for receiving the National Award.
The program commenced with a traditional Aarthi by Ms. Alka Harshad Raut. followed by a recital of a Bhaajan by Fr. Seraphinus Tigga. Mrs. Jean Pereira read out the citations after which in a very touching speech Sister Teresa spoke about Fr. Joe . She mentioned how she recollected Fr. Joe as a very handsome young boy and today he has reached to heights of Glory in the vineyard of Lord reaching out to the marginalized. Next a small speech by Bosco who thanked Fr. Joe for making him what he was today not forgetting his wife, children, family and the staff for supporting him. It was a pleasure to see Fr. Joe's sister Francisca , her husband Wilfred, his nephew Rakesh and carol along with their children.
Fr. Joe spoke to the gathering touching each and everyone, His zeal to reach out to more and more people suffering from addiction and addiction related diseases like HIV. The highlight of the afternoon was a dance performance by kripa Family of Vasai led by Shravan. The program ended with a sumptuous lunch spread out by Lester, Sterling, Joseph, Rohington and the kitchen staff.
Indeed a well organised program with the support of Mozen and patients of Kripa Vasai.
Submitted and collage
Newsdesk.
