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Jubilate: A Summer of Hope and Harmony St. Francis of Assisi Church, Ramnagar – Summer Camp 2025

I was warmly welcomed by Fr. Praveen Henry D’Souza to animate and coordinate a vibrant summer camp at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Ramnagar, Hyderabad. The camp, held from April 28 to May 3, 2025, carried the uplifting theme: “Jubilate: A Summer of Hope and Harmony.”

This theme was deeply inspired by two significant celebrations of the Church: the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures and the Jubilee Year – Pilgrims of Hope. True to its essence, the camp sought to foster joy, faith, and unity among children from kindergarten to class ten, drawing 150 enthusiastic participants.

Assisting in this endeavor were 30 committed volunteers and animators. The parish priest entrusted the primary leadership of the camp to four brothers in formation: Br. Ajay, Br. Prannay, Br. Anthony, and myself, Br. Andrew. With dedication and joyful collaboration, the plan was well-executed and spiritually enriching.

Each day began at 8:45 AM with praise and worship, followed by a rich program of Eucharist, catechetical classes, creative workshops, fun activities, and games. Key highlights of the catechetical sessions included teachings on the Jubilee logo, the Canticle of the Creatures, Sacraments, and the Theological Virtues – Faith, Hope, and Love. Children also explored the lives of biblical heroes of hope, inspiring them to face life with courage and trust in God.

To nurture holistic development, we also hosted a healthcare awareness program for two days, educating the children on hygiene, nutrition, and basic wellness practices. These sessions were interactive and age-appropriate, helping the young ones understand the importance of caring for their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

One of the most cherished activities was handmaking rosaries, led by Br. Ajay. The children displayed remarkable creativity, producing beautiful rosaries that were later appreciated by parishioners.

To ensure every child was nourished and energized for the day's activities, lunch was lovingly provided each day to all participants, fostering a spirit of sharing and community.

On the final day of the camp, the children joyfully participated in theme-based and biblical games, putting into practice all they had learned. Br. Prannay taught the children two meaningful songs dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi – one based on the Canticle of the Creatures and another, a Latin hymn of blessing. Their heartfelt performances moved the parishioners deeply.

The culmination of the camp took place on May 4 with a special Children’s Mass. Under the guidance of Br. Andrew and Mrs. Vidya, the entire liturgy was led by the children. A dramatic enactment of the life of Pope Francis was a standout moment, drawing enthusiastic appreciation from the faithful. Br. Anthony’s diligent work in photography and videography beautifully captured the spirit of the camp, compiling each day’s highlights into a memorable video presentation.

As a fitting end, we organized a picnic on May 5, giving the children a day of joy, laughter, and refreshment. From water games to thrilling slides, the atmosphere was filled with fun and friendship.

Indeed, Jubilate 2025 was a week of grace – planting seeds of faith, building friendships, and kindling the spirit of hope and harmony among the young. With God’s blessings and the intercession of St. Francis, the camp began well and ended even better.

                                                - Andrew Thomas OFM

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