The Missionary Childhood Association Day was celebrated at the Diocese of Shimoga.
Shivamogga, February 4, 2026:The Diocesan-level Missionary Childhood Association Day Celebration – 2026 was held successfully on Sunday, 1 February 2026, as per the planned schedule. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from children, animators, clergy, and religious, making it a spiritually enriching and joyful experience.
The programme began at 8.30 am with the arrival, breakfast, and registration of participants. A total of 256 children participated in the celebration, accompanied by 23 animators and 7 religious sisters.
At 9.30 am, the programme formally commenced with the session “Start of the Journey in Kindness” led by Fr Alvine Stanislaus, Director, PMS, Shimoga. This was followed by the first session at 10.00 am, “Briefing the History of MCA”, conducted by Rev Fr Maxim Dias, Regional Secretary for PMS, KROSS, Bangalore, who clearly explained the origin, vision, and mission of the Missionary Childhood Association.
At 11.00 am, the highlight of the day, the solemn Holy Eucharist, was celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Duming Dias, Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Shimoga. The liturgy was animated by MCA, St. Anthony’s Parish, Shimoga, and the choir by MCA, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shimoga, making the celebration prayerful and vibrant.
After the photo session at 12.30 pm, the participants enjoyed lunch. The afternoon session at 1.30 pm, titled “Helping hands, hopeful hearts — The spirit of Holy Childhood”, was once again conducted by Rev Fr Maxim Dias, highlighting meaningful ways of celebrating the Missionary Childhood Association Day and living its spirit in daily life.
After the afternoon session, Msgr. Rev Fr Stany D’Souza, Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator, visited the children and addressed them. He advised the children to be good in their conduct, sincere in their studies, and faithful in prayer, encouraging them to grow as responsible Christian children.
Later, Rev Fr Franklin D’Souza, Shimoga Diocesan Youth Director, addressed the children and prayed over them, invoking God’s blessings upon all the participants.
Throughout the day, Deacons Glenson and Rosario kept the children active and joyful through action songs and dances, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and participation.
The programme concluded with the Curtain Call of Kindness at 3.30 pm, presented by MCA, Good Shepherd Parish, Shimoga. The children thoroughly enjoyed the arrangements made for them, including breakfast, cool drinks, lunch, and ice cream.
The programme concluded at 4.00 pm. Overall, the Missionary Childhood Association Day Celebration – 2026 was conducted smoothly and successfully according to the plan, leaving the children spiritually nourished, joyful, and motivated.
