Sabama: Christmas is about sharing joy and the generosity of people goes beyond their home and family as they seek to share this joy with those in need. The Joyce Bay oratory centre was chosen for the  ‘Sharing Christmas joy and gift giving program’ by the Filippino benefactors on 25 December, 2025, an event that has been going on for the past six years.

Joyce Bay is a little Christian community that belongs to Mary Help of Christians parish, Sabama. Around 150 children and mothers for the celebration. The Christmas celebration began with an opening prayer led by Fr. Ambrose, followed by the welcome remarks of Sr. Alice, a Christmas message from the benefactors and a dance item from the oratorians. 

Refreshing cones of ice cream were served to the children as well as the adults who were present. Everyone was delighted with the delicious ice cream treat which aided in cooling down the heat. Food packs were then distributed to everyone.  The children expressed their gratitude to the benefactors for their generosity in sharing their blessings and their time with them.

In conclusion, Sr. Cristina Villasanta, the Animator of the FMA community, gave the Christmas message. Using the analogy of a candle, she encouraged the children to let their light shine and bring joy and light through the darkness and struggles of their lives. (Mt 5:16). “You must reflect the presence of Christ presence through your actions, kindness, and way of living”, she said. 

Mr. Evan Toribiano and Mr. Jonathan who are the friends of the FMA (Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco) in coordination with Sr. Alice Fulgencio headed this initiative.  Mr. Evan and his friends had been doing the Christmas gift giving for the past six years just at random, meeting people along the streets to share the joy of the feast of Jesus' birth by giving gifts and food packs to people they met along the way. But this year, the group opted to go to the Joyce bay children. As Mr. Evan was not around for this activity, he entrusted the leadership to his friend Mr. Jonathan to coordinate the details with Sr. Alice, Sr. Antonette, the sister  in charge of the sunday oratory activities and  Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, the Parish Priest of Sabama. Two Chinese also joined the program.

After the final prayer and blessings of the gifts, each family received their Christmas gift and extra packs of food to share with their families. Broad smiles on their lips and a twinkle in their eyes, expressed their joy.

Thanks to all the Animators of the community of Joyce Bay who co ordinated this event together with the sisters, Fr Ambrose and above all the Benefactors who made this celebration a meaningful one for the simple children and people of Joyce Bay.