Welcoming 2012

A van loaded with instruments, luggage and food. Fourteen members of our Mission. Approximately 1,200 miles and 21 hours driving on the I-95. Anxiety to meet new people, new place and to deliver Jesus' message to a new year. The low 30°F forecast did not hinder The Louvation Band, as they knew they would take the warmth of Florida up to the north.

Invited by the Brazilian Catholic Community of the Saint Martin of Tours parish, in Philadelphia, PA, the Band took on the responsibility to animate their end of the year dinner. On the night of December 31, 2011, Rev. Gelso Dadat celebrated the mass of The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, which was immediately followed by party.

The Louvation band played a variety of songs and rhythms in a non-stop three hour block. The repertoire got the 270 people present in the event dancing and praising the Lord for a good 2011.

The Blessed Sacrament joined the event in adoration at around 11:30 pm and lasted until exactly midnight, when everybody gave each other a happy new year. Dinner was served and soon after it was finished, Louvation was back on stage with more songs of praise and worship.

As anticipated, the cold wind outside was merely a part of the season's decoration. Inside the church grounds, the fire of the Holy Spirit kept everyone joyfully warm in the presence of Jesus, starting a new year in the best possible way.