Christmas in Prasanthi Nilayam 2011 |
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Bhagawan recounts Jesus
Story…
Divine voice that echoed Prasanthi
Nilayam over the past more than five decades once again reverberated in the holy
precincts this evening on the occasion of Christmas 2011. The epochal 1996
Divine Discourse where in Bhagawan revealed many untold, unheard tales about
Jesus, materialising the original Bible, a mini one, was relayed in the final
phase of Christmas evening programme. A capacity audience that filled the Sai
Kulwant sat listening, soaking their hearts, minds and souls in Bhagawan’s
Divine Love. Two bhajans that followed the Divine Discourse Hari Bhajana Bina…and
Love is My form…came like a soothing balm to the audience that felt the absence
of His physical form.Sunday, December 25, 2011 - Prasanthi Nilayam  Eearlier the programme commenced at 1700 hrs. with Christmas International Committee Chairman John Behner introducing the speakers for the evening. Introducing the speakers Mr. Behner thanked the Croatian led decoration team as well as Indonesian devotees for their efforts in the western canteen in providing sumptuous Christmas dinner. |
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Video Christmas Evening 25th Dec. |
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Ms. Sylvia Alden, the Conductor who mesmerised Prasanthi with her
musical prowess and devotion leading the Choir for more than a decade spoke of
her induction into Sai narrating some beautiful experiences with Beloved
Bhagawan. She also narrated how Bhagawan got her into Choir conducting in His
own inimitable style.The second speaker, veteran
devotee from Australia, Arthur Hillcoat, (Fr. Charles Ogada who was scheduled to
speak speak gave way to the veteran) spoke on the importance of following
Bhagawan’s teachings. Delivering his speech the speaker dwelled deep into
Bhagawan’s teachings, quoting other Masters, Nisargadatta Maharaj and Ramana
Maharshi, driving his point to follow Bhagawan and His teachings. Prof. Anil Kumar thanked the speakers, making a special mention of Arthur Hillcoat, before announcing the programme scheduled for tomorrow. International Children Choir will sing Christmas Carols tomorrow evening at the Sanctum Sanctorum. II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II top |
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Christmas Joy Fills Prasanthi…
Sunday, December 25th, 2011
Come Christmas and there is joy everywhere…On this beautiful
Sunday winter morning, Prasanthi joined the rest of the world celebrating the
joy of the Mighty Advent of the Son of God from Greater Heaven!
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The programme for the morning commenced at 8:30 hrs. with the
Violin Band of Higher Secondary School playing some soothing devotional numbers
that included “Love is
My Form…” and “Jingle Bell…”. From the slow soothing violin to the fast paced
beats of percussions, taking over from the Violin Band of
the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, the Institute Brass Band presented a
scintillating display of Band Music, playing for the Master.
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 The Brass Band played Silent Night, Rudolph the Red Rose Rein deer, Little Drummer and two varied versions of Jingle Bell…The final session had a bouquet of traditional Christmas Songs and Carols by the students from the Institute.  Invoking Bhagawan, offering every note of their performace at His Lotus Feet, students began the Christmas offering in traditional Indian style, with three Omkars…They sang for the next fifty minutes, interspersed with commentary elucidating on the greater significance, narrating the beauty of the holy scenes at Bethlehem at the time of The Advent. The songs included We Wish You a Merry Christmas, God is the Strength, Sing for Joy etc… As the songs continued, two little Santas emerged, moving among spreading joy to one and all.  Bhajans continued for the next fifteen minutes, as White Army of students spread over, distributing Christmas Chocolates. Traditional Christmas Cakes were offered to Bhagawan, representing various institutions before Mangala Arathi offering at 9:50 hrs.  Students even made customary offerings, Christmas Greetings at the Sanctum Sanctorum.  Earlier in the morning, overseas devotees presented a half-an-hour Choir Programme, singing Christmas Carols at the Sanctum Sanctorum. Singing the glory of the Holy Silent Night, announcing the arrival of the Saviour Jesus, the group of over 100 choristers from overseas countries made merry at the Sanctum Sanctorum pouring their hearts out in great devotional fervour.  The half-an-hour programme commenced at 06:30 hrs. and was conducted by Ms. Natrisha Choonilall, an Indian born South African settled in Prasanthi Nilayam. The songs included Silent Night, O Holy Night, Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Noel, Jingle Bells, We Wish you a Merry Christmas etc…and ended with the Universal Prayer, Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu… II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II |
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Devotional Fervour on the Christmas Eve in Prasanthi Nilayam… |
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Embracing peace, breathing in love
and light of Bhagawan, over 240 choristers from different countries around the
globe serenaded for an hour singing Glory To The Lord, this evening on the
Christmas Eve in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Christmas Eve’s International Choir
for the year was conducted by Ms. Gisela Sebastian, an accomplished singer cum
musician from Germany. She has been a regular member of the International Choir
for past many years.
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Beginning at 1700 hrs., after initial
offerings and lighting the lamp, the Choristers began with three Omkars followed
by a Ganesha Mantra, sung in perfect tune inciting applause from a capacity
audience.
 The one hour Choir consisted of numbers, Silent Night Holy Night,
Hallelujah We Praise, There is none like You, O Holy Night, Oh Lord You are
beautiful etc. ending with a special composition seeking Shanti, Peace, a
perfect finale infusing peace within while diffusing peace around engulfing the
whole of Prasanthi Nilayam.
The venue, Sai Kulwant Hall wore a
colourful costume in the evening, as Croatian led decorations stood out, adding
special charm to the Christmas Eve’s beauty.
Bhajans continued for the next half
an hour and special clothings, sarees and safari pieces were distributed to the
assemblage of choristers. Prasadam was distributed and Mangala Arathi was
offered at 1830 hrs.
The session continued with Prof. Anil Kumar contemplating on the significance of the Advent of Jesus and the Holy Night relating the same with Bhagawan. Drawing interesting parallels vouching the Oneness of Bhagawan and Jesus, Isa and Sai, Anil Kumar affirmed the Eternal Presence of Bhagawan in Prasanthi Nilayam, amidst His devotees. 
The Christmas morning’s programme
will commence at 6:30 Hrs. with a Carol singing for half an hour by
International devotees. Regular programme in the morning will have traditional
Christmas singing by students, commencing at 08:30 hrs. In the evening two
eminent overseas devotees, Ms. Sylvia Alden, International Choir Conductor for
many years and Fr. Charles Ogada, will share their viewpoints with the audience.
Prasanthi is contemplating on the
Holy Silent Night, as Bhagawan is eternally watching over!!!
II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II |
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Christmas comes to Prasanthi… |
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Holy Christmas is once again coming
to Prasanthi Nilayam. The festival that is western in its origin earns a
universal outlook when it reaches the Prasanthi precincts. Men and women from
countries afar join Indians celebrating the advent of the Son of God. As is the
custom every year, this year too, hundreds of choristers from different
countries will be singing Carols on the eve, this evening.
Gisela Sebastian, an accomplished singer who hails from Munich, in Germany has been charged with the daunting task of coordinating the International Choir this year. Previous years have seen an ever graceful Sylvia Alden conducting the Choir as commanded and blessed by Bhagawan.
Ms. Sebastian’s strong musical
background has enabled her to direct experienced musicians from all over the
world in preparation for the Carols. She has been a permanent member of the
International Choir for past many years. The choristers have been working
tirelessly, rehearsing, braving the severe Indian winter, from 14 December
onwards.
Leading up to the festivity, Prasanthi is shining brighter and brighter day by day, with various overseas troupes engaged in decorating the House of The Lord. This year a team of Croatians ably assisted by the South Africans dovetailed their efforts for the decorations. While the South Africans ensured that the gaiety and the spirit of Christmas were adequately reflected through strings of flashing lights, coloured bulbs and scintillating luminescence, the Croatians spared nothing in ensuring that the highest standards were maintained in erecting the décor for Christmas. Before long, the Prasanthi Nilayam environment was transformed from the usual scenic, lush greenery of plants and flowers to one reflecting the spirit and gaiety of Christmas. Children and adults never failed to stop and immerse themselves in the prevailing ambiance while going about their routine. II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II |
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Musical Dance
Drama by Vizianagaram
Friday, December 23rd, 2011 The Sai Youth and Balvikas of Vizianagaram brought reality to the assembly today with a Musical Dance Drama entitled “Palle Sevaye Paramatmuni Seva” based on real life incidents that happened in their district. The drama depicted how Sai Youth bring transformation in villagers and even prisoners with their self less service. The dialogue by the youth in the drama that Charity is offered on request but Seva is offered by inner prompting, resounded in the ears of all.
The skit was preceded by a talk by the district president Sri. Damodar Rama Mohan Rao who after profusely thanking Bhagawan for His grace and blessings, spoke about the illustrious history of the district.
He then spoke about the recent lag in
development and the need to strengthen the spiritual and service activities to
bring the people together towards a better society by the grace of Bhagawan.
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Southern Europe Music Programme |
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South European countries Croatia,
Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina started the Christmas
Celebrations in Prasanthi Nilayam with a musical feast this evening. The songs
were sung in their local languages as well as English.
However the biggest treat was the beginning and ending of the ten song programme
which were sung in the Divine Language of the Avatar, Telugu.
After the Music Programme, as
encouraged by Bhagawan in previous years, they also sung Bhajans. Clothes were
distributed to all the participants and Prasadam was shared with the assembly on
this sweet occasion. “Christmas is coming to town…”
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Over one hundred and eighty devotees from the South European countries Croatia,
Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina arrived early in the
Christmas season for they have been given the unique privilege of decorating
Mandir and the rest of Prasanthi Nilayam this year. Along with that they also
had the yearning to sing and cry out their feelings to Bhagawan. The opportunity
was gained by them on the 20th of Dec 2011.
The above mentioned countries speak different languages (they can understand
each other, but the languages are similar and not same). They had the herculean
task of balancing their time between decorating Prasanthi Nilayam and having
rehearsals together in order to learn the songs well. By Bhagawan’s grace, help
had come under the loving and expert guiding hand of their Choir conductor Uma
Devi. They held rehearsals in the EHV block (popularly know as the double decker
building) in the previous few days from 5.00-7.00am.
The countries also have different religious and cultural backgrounds. So the
songs express devotional feelings and attitudes with a stress on the Destination
which is common for all the paths. . A scintillating combination of wind,
string, keyboard and percussions made for a divine rendition of songs in praise
of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. While many of the items were lively and
foot-tapping, the multifarious gathering was also entertained with sweet,
sinusoidal, lilting sounds with deep messages.
With the expansive vision to make their brothers and sisters from India also
feel included, they sang two songs in Telugu and Hindi: Kapadu Sai Devuda and
Hamko Tumse Pyare Kitna.
After the Music Programme, as encouraged by Bhagawan in previous years, they
also sung Bhajans. Clothes were distributed to all the participants and Prasadam
was shared with the assembly on this sweet occasion.
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Christmas Fervour in Prasanthi Nilayam…
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With a week to go for the Christmas Day, Prasanthi is slowly catching up with Christmas fervour. A sizeable number of devotees have already arrived and the number is expected to swell in the run up to the festive day. Christmas decorations that form an integral part of the festivity in Prasanthi is gradually showing up with colourful decor at vantage points, and devotees from Croatia are tirelessly working on the theme, with dedication and devotion, to make it Divinely beautiful. Boundary wall fencing of the Divine Abode, Yajur Mandir and the area behind the Prasanthi Mandir have already been deocrated with colourful white serial lightings, while the Western Canteen has been lit with bright colours looking like a landing strip for Santa and his reindeer. Braving Prasanthi’s Christmas winter, hundreds of choristers from many overseas countries are busily engaged in rehearsing the Christmas Choir scheduled for the festive evening.
While the Children Choir for the Christmas Eve, conducted by
Alma Badings, is getting on with its hectic rehearsal sessions, a group of
musicians from the Croatian Choir is also perfecting its tunes for the scheduled
programme, on the 20th evening.
The signs of Christmas are all around inspiring Prasanthi to sing the Carol, “Do you see what I see? what I see… what I see…” |
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Christmas Season begins in Prasanthi Nilayam
Devotees from Croatia who have been given the opportunity to
decorate Prasanthi Nilayam have begun the task with enthusiasm. Western Canteen
and the pathway opposite to it has been lit with bright colours looking like a
landing strip for Santa and his reindeer. The signs of Christmas are all around
inspiring us to sing the Carol, “Do you see what I see? what I see… what I see…”
Come back for more
Christmas updates on this page
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Fri, Dec 24,
2010: Today is Christmas Eve, the night before
Christmas, the night that heralded the Advent of Jesus Christ. For those seekers
of Jesus, those seekers of Truth who knows "Sathya", this is the occasion to
rejoice 'the advent'; for them who are missing the action, physically in
Prasanthi, it will be difficult to fill the void of not being in Prasanthi and
it is time for sheer nostalgia! Christmas Eve in Prasanthi Nilayam is distinctive over the
years with a unique choir comprising representation of 'United Nations' singing
His glory in presence of The One Who could be called the 'Creator' or
'Originator' of Christmas. The Overseas Choir has been a part of the Christmas
celebrations for over a decade ever since Bhagawan given the mantle to a former
US School Teacher by name Sylvia Alden to conduct the show.
Dressed up in pristine white, over 750 choristers, 216 gents
and 556 ladies, with over fifty musicians among them, had occupied the
centre-block of the Mandir well in advance of the commencement of the
proceedings in the scheduled evening. An early entry and Bhagawan was in the midst at 1800 hrs.,
arrived in His car. Moving on, blessing the concourse, Bhagawan was seen tossing
Vibhuti packets to devotees at random.
Coming on to the dais Bhagawan blessed some of the seniors
from the Christmas group, including John Behner, with Vibhuti prasadam. Bhajans
continued until 1830 hrs. when Bhagawan blessed John Behner before lighting the
lamp officially inaugurating the programme.
The Choir Conductor Sylvia Alden
turned up on stage and after a few minutes of interaction, Bhagawan 'green-signalled'
the Conductor to commence the Choir.
Three perfect Omkars from over 750 western choristers
followed by Ganesha invocation, "Ganaanaam Twa..." and the Choir was on!
Bhagawan sat through listening to the choristers singing the glory of the Lord
and after forty minutes, with the 12th hymn completed, Bhagawan asked for
Mangala Arathi.
Blessed Prasadam was distributed in between and post Arathi,
in a most unexpected move, Bhagawan moved down the aisle posing for photographs
with the group. The Choristers were ecstatic as Bhagawan allowed them to
converge in a semi-circle around Him, being the centre-point, and hundreds of
faces were beaming the joy of being in close proximity. At 1920 hrs. Bhagawan got into His car retiring to Yajur
Mandiram.
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Sat, Dec 25, 2010:
In Parthi every event and every festivity is defined with Bhagawan being the
centre-point. 'His Presence' is the big thing and every festivity gets its due
importance only when He makes Himself available for the occasion.
Following the Christmas Eve when the Christmas day dawned the
focus of attention was unto Him and His presence. In the evening there was high
expectation in the air and Sai Kulwant was ready with festive exuberance to
receive the Lord! Apart from the official Christmas 2010 schedule by SSSSO,
Overseas, an Italian Orchestra was also scheduled for the eventful evening.
In the Sai Kulwant Hall, every inch of available space was
packed with devotees. Leading to the schedule, bhajans played soulful tunes
clocking to the "Divine Hour".
At 650 hrs. the Divine Carrier, Toyota Porte AP02N9000
appeared at the entrance, carrying The Lord clad in yellow. First round of
darshan was followed by another 'bonus' round and the surge of devotees was
ecstatic. Many who missed His 'catchy' glance in the first round ensured one in
the second round. Primary School children were up on their feet, holding aloft
their Christmas Greetings, trying to win Divine attention.
Coming on to the Verandah through the western slope at the
gents' side, Bhagawan, upon alighting, went for a round of upper verandah and
was seen blessing many, tossing Vibhuti packets. Soon Bhagawan blessed an array
of Christmas cakes before coming on to the dais at 1920 hrs.
Evening proceedings began with International Christmas
Committee Chairman John Behner addressing the assembly. Thanking Bhagawan for
His bounteous love, offering Christmas greetings to one and all, Behner
introduced the two speakers for the evening. The speakers were Kirsten Pruzan, a
Danish Journalist and Cass Smith, a musician and spiritual healer from the US.
Ms. Pruznan spoke gracefully, sharing her personal experience
of the 'Divine Pull' that brought her to Parthi for the first time. Elaborating
on the omnipresence shown by Swami at her Danish home, she narrated a wonderful
experience wherein her husband, Prof. Pruznan, was saved by Bhagawan, from being
taken as a hostage after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, while returning from
Parthi.
Cass Smith spoke of His Love quoting Samuel Sandweiss from
his famous book, Sai Baba, The Holy Man and Psychiatrist. A musician by himself,
Smith strummed his guitar to produce three gems of musical pieces, concluding
with the popular song, "I keep feeling your love...". He also narrated a
wonderful experience, that happened at Brindavan, sharing how Bhagawan
miraculously cured him of an 'ear-mishap'.
A "Christmas in Sai Love" was the theme for the concert by a
group of Italians led by Sonja Venturi along with Sergio Vigagni, Evige Fontana,
Dalliah Gutman, Bruno Pratico etc. and a set of musical scorers. As they took
over after receiving Divine Blessings, music flowed with bhajans tuned in
western style echoing the Sai Kulwant Hall. Beginning with thee Omkars,
salutations to Lord Ganesha and Twameva Matha, Sonja Venturi produced a
scintillating Mukunda Murari, styled in west, to the amusement of
Bhagawan and the capacity audience. Audience clapped after every song as the
Italians went on singing for the next fifty minutes. A beethoven medley, a
couple of italian numbers, White Christmas etc. were followed by a combined
song, Happy X Mas as grand finale. The whole programme was organised by senior
Italian devotees Luigi Ferrante and Anna Bruno.
Post the musical session, Bhagawan called the singers and
musicians one after one on stage, showering blessings. A second round of
blessing ensued when the four ladies in the group were again called on stage,
one after one, to receive prasadam from the Divine Hands. A group of tiny tots
also came on stage receiving prasadam from the Divine Hands. In the meanwhile,
Prasadam went for distribution to the audience.
As Bhagawan sat through, one of the ashram photographers went
up to Bhagawan showing Him Christmas decorations in print. Being the Senior
Hostel Anniversary, a group of students from the Senior Hostel also went up to
Bhagawan showing Him images of the 'decorated hostel'.
Mangala Arathi was offered at 2120 hrs. and Bhagawan retired
to Yajur Mandiram at 2130 hrs.
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Sun, Dec 26, 2010:
International Children gave a 'biblical welcome' to Bhagawan this evening, at
1910 hrs. leading Him in a procession to the Sai Kulwant Hall. Children in
colourful costumes, representing various biblical characters, led the procession
to the accompaniment of soft tunes of traditional Christmas songs.
 Coming into the hall Bhagawan went for a complete round, blessing the 'biblical characters' moving at a slow pace. Many of them were carrying various Christmas paraphernalias that were blessed by Bhagawan while on the move. 
Coming on stage at 1930 hrs. Bhagawan sat on for next forty
five minutes. Most of the time Bhagawan was busy with the "day's mail" from
devotees while bhajans went on in the background. At 1955 hrs. Bhagawan accepted
Mangala Arathi and continued with 'devotees' mail' for some more time, till 2015
hrs. when Bhagawan left the dais, leaving for Yajur Mandiram.
 Blessed prasadam was distributed to the entire audience. Bhagawan was seen tossing Vibhuti packets to many in between, a delightful scene for the devotees, watching The Lord in action! He even interacted with Christmas Committee Coordinator John Behner blessing him with Vibhuti Prasadam. |
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Mon, Dec 27, 2010:
The grand finale of the three day Christmas celebrations witnessed
little children from around the world taking the centre-stage singing and
enacting the glory of Jesus and Sathya Sai. When two programmes, an
International Children Choir and a Musical Play, that were scheduled for the
previous evening got postponed as ‘willed’ by Bhagawan, this 'fresh-week'
evening found a ‘combined programme’ setting a grand finale for the Christmas
2010 celebrations.
Bhagawan arrived just after 1820 hrs. and the hall was full. Covering the
ladies' end Bhagawan's car took a detour moving out, only to return after ninety
minutes. Coming on stage, initial blessings followed before the
commencement of the programme. John Behner, International Christmas Committee
Coordinator along with Alma Badings, the Choir Conductor from the Netherlands
and the Drama Director Victoria Hargreaves from the US took blessings.
The Programme entitled ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ was an enactment of the life of Jesus Christ. Set against the backdrop of a Christian home in the thick of Christmas celebrations, the presentation was centred around a little boy, Billy, who, having lost faith, was disinterested in the whole of the festive affair. His Family got into prayer mode seeking Swami’s intervention and in response came Billy’s Guardian Angel and the Spirit of the Past, taking the boy to Bethlehem to the times of Jesus. The boy was to witness the most sacred of the lives, that of Jesus! The Spirit of the Past took him to the lively scenes prior to the birth of Jesus, Baby Jesus in the Manger and his growing up into a man teachings and preachings as a guiding star. The boy was overjoyed, having witnessed the ‘life of the past master’. Adding to his joy, Spirit of the Present joined Billy introducing him to his Guardian Angel. …And it was time for the big ‘initiation’. Guardian Angel shared with the little one about Sathya Sai Baba and His Teachings. Leading the boy unto the precincts of Prasanthi Nilayam, he was given further enlightenment on “unity in diversity” and “Fatherhood of God”.
Finally the ‘dream run’ ended and Billy woke up to the Christmas morning. Faith was restored and Billy was transformed! ...and Billy vowed to Love and Serve everyone with a prayer to The Lord to "bless us, bless everyone!"
Soon Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose with the children.
Coming on stage, Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi. "Samastha Lokaaha..." was
repeated yet again for a second time at His special instance and blessing the
concourse Bhagawan left the dais, retiring to Yajur Mandiram just after 2100
hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire audience.
Earlier in the morning, as part of the Christmas
celebrations, a Multi-Faith Worship Programme was organised at the double decker
building, next to the Book Centre. Titled as "We Are One", the programme had
representation from all major religions, namely, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity,
Buddhism, Judaism and Zoroastrianism etc. Presided over by Fr. Charles Ogada of
Nigeria, donning the mantle of Master of Ceremonies, the programme that had good
turnout of devotees had light meditation session, Universal Prayer, Holy
Communion and Prasad distribution.
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 || Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu || |
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LA VOZ DEL AVATAR
EN VISTAS DINÁMICAS ABRE MÁS RÁPIDO LA PÁGINA
lunes, 26 de diciembre de 2011
Christmas in Prasanthi Nilayam 2011
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