 |
| Pitfalls of communication. |
 |
| Nita speaks on how we are special. |
 |
| Fr. Henry Falcao on synodality. |
 |
| Fr. Leo celebrates the Sunday morning Mass. |
 |
| The imposing edifice of SJVSRC, Old Goa. |
 |
| Lobby on the first floor. |
- Brian Mendonca
Being invited as a PPC member for a Pastoral Enrichment Programme for the first time today, I did not know what to expect.
The programme was to be held at the Fr. Joseph Vaz Spritual Renewal Centre, (JVSRC) Old Goa. Though it was a rainy day, the showers outside did not prevent us from listening to the erudite speakers for the sessions. The serene ambience made us feel we were here for a higher purpose.
The first session was on Lumen Gentium and the role of the laity in the church. Next we had Mass where Fr. Leo broke the Word of God (Mark 5: 21-43) . When Jesus says 'Talitha Cum' and bids the girl to rise, He heals each one of us from physical pain.
Fr. Henry Falcao threw light on the Pastoral Letter by the Archbishop Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao with the exhortation, 'Go, Proclaim, the Good News.' He also provided a curtain raiser for the exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier this year commencing from November till January. He spoke of the significance of the Jubilee Year in 2025 when we will commemorate the birth of Jesus.
A priest and Ms. Nita took us through a session on how to communicate more effectively. 'You are special in His kingdom' she reminded us. As PPC members you are chosen to use your skills and talents to build His kingdom. It is not an accident that you are here.
There were reflections on the reach of social media. Useful tips were provided on etiquette in using WhatsApp. They urged us to spend time in prayer, because you can't give what you don't have. Being a PPC member is to be called to serve others - not to put on airs. Jesus is our brand and if we criticize the Church we damage our brand, said Nita in corporate lingo.
 |
| Painting on the stairway. |
I was struck by the numerous references to powerful verses in the Bible which they used in their PPT to vindicate what they were saying. It was like redeeming a blessing. Ask God for anything, God will give it to you - for God does not like to feel indebted, said Nita. The faith and conviction they spoke with was inspiring.
We were about 700 of us. But we all felt like one family, united in faith. The half-day programme was from 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. It was followed by tasty lunch of pulao, chicken xacuti, and chole. Deanery-wise photographs were taken before we left.
The Pastoral Enrichment Programme was an initiative of the Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre and its team led by Fr. Leo. It was organized for Mapusa deanery, Central Zone. The medium of language was English and Konkani.
-----------------------------
Pix taken by Brian Mendonca at Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa on Sunday, 30 June 2024. Updated 1/7/24.
Comments