Christmas Treat by SDVP

Dec 24, 2014

By Percy D’Cruz
Some forty families of Friends-In-Need or F.I.N. enjoyed a Christmas outing organised by the St Vincent De Paul Conference of St Martin de Porres of the parish of St Francis Xavier.

The highlights included a visit to the Ayer Keroh Crocodile Farm, Malaysia in Miniature and Petting Zoo and a Christmas Treat at the Dewan St Peter’s in Pengkalan Rama.

The Ayer Keroh visit proved to be the first of its kind for the FINS. Seeing a crocodile up close and witnessing the reptiles during feeding times, was most exciting and worth the trip.

Short addresses were given by T. Francis, the president of the Conference of St Martin de Porres and Fr Michael Mannayagam, the conference spiritual advisor. Then, it was off to an early lunch at the old parish hall for all F-I-Ns, their families, children and guests.

This was followed by carolling sessions at Dewan St Peter’s provided by the Genesis Choir of the parish of St Francis Xavier and the ‘Santa Crew’ singers from the Portuguese Settlement.

The MMU Catholic Student Society organised a series of fun games and ‘teasers,’ resulting in much laughter and hilarity for everyone.

This was followed by the presentation of Christmas ‘ang pows’ and toys to toddlers, kindergarten, primary and secondary school pupils. Christmas Money Packets were handed out by Fr Michael and members of the SVDP State Council and local conference members.