Ferar, Mangaluru, 06 July 2025
In a vibrant celebration of scripture and fellowship, St Francis Xavier Church, Ferar, hosted a Ward-Level Two-Round Bible Quiz and Training Programme titled “Vatek Divo” — meaning “Lamp to My Steps” (Ps 119:105). Held on Sunday, 06 July 2025, this initiative brought together all 13 wards of the parish in a spirit of unity and devotion to the Word of God.
A total of 144 parishioners actively participated in both the written and oral rounds of the quiz and the accompanying training session, which ran from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. The event began with the solemn enthronement of the Bible, officiated by the Parish Priest Rev Fr James D’Souza, who inaugurated the competition. He was joined by Rev Dr Vincent Sequeira, Diocesan Secretary of the Commission for Bible and Quiz Master for the day. Adding to the solemnity were Mr William D’Souza (PPC Vice President), Mr Henry Mascarenhas (Secretary), Mr Ullas Pinto (Commission for Liturgy), Mrs Lavi Gangimatt (Editor, Ferarchem Preran), Mr Rohan Santhumayer (MC), Sr Flora (Nirmala Nikethan), and Sr Aruna (St Joseph’s Convent), among others.
The event was jointly organised by the Parish Commissions for Bible, Liturgy, Faith Formation, BEC, Proclamation, and Franciscan Third Order, in collaboration with the Ferarchem Preran Bulletin Team. The programme marked a double jubilee celebration—the Silver Jubilee of the Parish Bulletin and the Jubilee Year of the Lord 2025.
In his opening remarks, Fr James D’Souza highlighted that the deeper aim of the event was not merely to test biblical knowledge but to cultivate a love for the Word of God and inspire families to root their lives in Scripture.
The Quiz Master, Rev Dr Vincent Sequeira, skillfully wove together teaching and testing, exploring the power of the Word of God while challenging participants with meaningful questions. The day concluded with a sumptuous fellowship meal, lovingly prepared under the leadership of the Franciscan Third Order.
The programme stood as a witness to the growing biblical fervour in the parish, turning Wards into Word-sharing communities and hearts into burning lamps for Christ.
