St Theresa’s Church Thimbirigasyaya held their annual Christmas Carols service at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) on 18th December, to share the joy and cheer of Christmas with the patients and staff alike.
This event was initiated as a gesture of goodwill with the intention of appreciating the Doctors, nurses, medical and support staff at the Hospital for prolonged months of their dedicated, selfless service rendered to the nation in the face of the pandemic as well as sharing the good news and joy of the Christ Child’s birth with the patients in the ‘little ways’ possible.
The evening was a joyous celebration of song and praise with the Carols being sung outdoors in the garden facing the children’s ward at IDH. The Church community had also organised Christmas cakes and other food items for the staff and patients as well as special Christmas gifts which were distributed by Santa among the children, making the event more delightful.
Parish Priest Rev Fr Chandana Sanjeewa Perera, C.Ss.R stated, “We thank God for inspiring us in organising this event at IDH as means of honouring and appreciating the doctors and medical staff for their relentless service. In our little way we hope we were able to bring joy to the patients, especially the little children who are affected by Covid 19.”
“We are very thankful to our wonderful choristers who courageously volunteered to participate despite their busy schedules and commitments. We also appreciate the generosity and support of our worshippers and other individuals who helped us in various ways to make this event a success,” concluded Fr Chandana.
The Christmas Carols service is a key annual event in St Theresa’s Church calendar which year on year brings a large number of worshippers together in anticipation of the joyous celebration of the Saviour’s birth. This year the carols were live streamed through the Church YouTube channel allowing all worshippers to be a part of this very meaningful service.