January 19, 2020 was a day of thanksgiving and great rejoicing for the Claretians and the Catholic community at Narasannapetta. On this day, the Annual Feast of Infant Jesus church and the Silver Jubilee of the Claretian presence at Narasannapetta was jointly celebrated with due solemnity. The Claretians have now reached the fullness of the silver jubilee of its presence and involvement in the pastoral, social and educational ministries at Narasannapeta since its foundation in the year 1995. The celebrations were scheduled for the evening and the assembly extended a very warm welcome to the mail celebrant of the day, Most Rev. Dr. Rayarala Vijayakumar PIME, Bishop of Srikakulam Diocese, on his maiden visit to the parish. Rev. Fr. Tom Vellappattu, Prefect of Youth and Vocation Ministry represented the Claretian provincial council (Bangalore province) along with many Claretian confreres from different communities of Andhra and Telangana region.

The solemn Holy Eucharist was concelebrated in the parish church which was fittingly adorned for the occasion, with a good number of diocesan and religious priests, and a large number of religious and faithful who participated joyfully and devoutly.  In his message, the Bishop was full of praise and appreciation for the pioneer missionaries, for the struggles and challenges they might have come across in the initial stages of the mission. Though the area doesn’t have a strong catholic presence, the impact of our presence in the society is to be appreciated.  Bishop expressed his mind that by way of imparting quality education, we can be real witnesses to the Christian truths and values to the students and to the society at large. Based on the Gospel of the day, Bishop further inspired the assembly as he dealt on the character of   John the Baptist, who courageously and selflessly proclaimed our Lord Jesus to the world.  After the Holy Eucharist, Bishop Rayarala Vijayakumar, Rev. Fr. Tom Vellappattu CMF, the pioneer missionaries and the dignitaries were felicitated by the Parish priest Fr. James Madappatt CMF, and the parish council members. The celebrations ended with a spectacular fireworks and fellowship meal.