Kumbla, 06 July 2024: Vicariate-Level Bible Classes at Kasargod Vicariate (St Thomas-Southern Vicariate) were inaugurated at St Monica Church, Kumbla, in the CBSE School Hall on July 06 2024. The first course, on the Gospel of Matthew in Konkani, titled “Dev Amchye Sangatha” / “God with us” for the priests, religious and the Laity of the Deanery, was inaugurated by Very Rev Fr Stany Pereira, the Vicar Forane of the Vicariate by officiating a short enthronement right of the Bible.
In his inaugural address, V. Rev. Fr Stany Pereira noted the overwhelming participation of the faithful in the deanery. He appreciated the faithful for their enthusiasm in welcoming this Bible Study venture organised by the Commission for Bible of the Deanery Parishes and the Commission for Bible of the Diocese of Mangalore. While highlighting the challenges people may face in attending programmes such as bible classes; he appreciated the participants for wholeheartedly responding to the invitation. Mentioning the theological concept “Faith Seeking Understanding,” Fr Pereira observed that this course on the Gospel of Matthew would help them better understand the Gospel and have a more enlightened view of the Word of God.
The host, Rev Fr Melwin D’Souza, the Parish Priest of Kumbla, led the participants into prayer. Rev Fr Suraj Lobo, the deanery convener for the programme, welcomed the resource person and diocesan secretary of the Commission for Bible, Rev Dr Vincent Sequeira and all the participants and oversaw the programme logistics and compered the programme.
The presence and participation of Rev Fr Edwin Correa and Rev Fr Louis Cutinha, the deanery priests, and the religious sisters was very encouraging. Over 70 enthusiastic participants from various deanery parishes were present for the initial class, and many are expected to join the course on coming Saturdays. The classes will be held on Five Saturdays, July 06, 13, 20, 27, and August 03, from 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
