Permannur Parish – Mangalore, June 2, 2024 – The Society of St. Vincent De Paul (SSVP) Youth Conference of Permannur Parish successfully hosted ‘DIVINE QUEST,’ an inter-ward Bible Quiz competition, at St. Sebastian Auditorium. This event was a significant highlight of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the SSVP Youth Permannur, established in 1999.
The quiz saw enthusiastic participation from twelve wards, with questions covering the Old and New Testaments. Rev. Dr Vincent Sequeira, Diocesan Secretary for the Commission for Bible, Diocese of Mangalore, served as the Quiz Master, ensuring a well-organized and insightful competition.
The Parish Priest, V. Rev. Cyprian Pinto, in his presidential address, commended the young members of the SSVP for their initiative and commitment. He highlighted their service and the enthusiasm of the participants, noting that his presence throughout the competition was both supportive and enlightening, offering him new insights into the Bible.
The Quiz Master, addressing the gathering at the prize distribution ceremony, quoted the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini and noted how the synodal document emphasizes “the centrality of the word of God in the Church’s life” and how it recommends “a greater ‘biblical apostolate,’ not alongside other forms of pastoral work, but as a means of letting the Bible inspire all pastoral work. This does not mean adding a meeting here or there in parishes or dioceses but rather of examining the ordinary activities of Christian communities, in parishes, associations and movements, to see if they are truly concerned with fostering a personal encounter with Christ, who gives himself to us in his word” (VD 73). Rev Dr Sequeira underscored that Church associations have the primary responsibility of spreading the word of God. He praised the SSVP Youth Permannur for their dedication and recognized their exemplary role in promoting and disseminating the Word of God through this Bible Quiz event.
The event was organized in association with the Commission for Youth and the Commission for Bible and marked a memorable milestone in the Silver Jubilee celebrations. It brought together 12 teams, comprising 48 members, in a spirit of friendly competition and fellowship, fostering unity and shared purpose. The competition was highly competitive, featuring various creative rounds that tested participants’ knowledge, skills, and teamwork. St. Paul 1st ward secured First place, followed by St. Michael 1st in Second place, and St. Sebastian 1st in Third place.
The event was successfully organized by 23 dedicated members of the SSVP Youth. Ms Suvita Dsouza and Ms Cinita Tellis compered the event, while SSVP Youth President Ms Dencita Merlyn Dsouza delivered the Vote of Thanks. Key parish figures, including Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Johnson Denzil Pereira, Parish Pastoral Council Vice President Mr Arun Dsouza, Secretary Mrs Jyothi Dsouza, and SSVP Permannur President Mr Vincent Appos, were present and contributed to the event’s success.
‘DIVINE QUEST’ not only fostered a deeper connection with the Scriptures but also reinforced the importance of the Word of God in the lives of the parishioners. This successful event highlighted the vital role of the SSVP Youth Permannur in the parish community and set a high standard for future parish activities as part of their Silver Jubilee celebrations.
Report by Ms Dencita Merlyn Dsouza
