News & Photos: Fr Richard D’Souza
Mar. 06: Diocesan Small Christian Community Convention was held on 4 March 2019 at Kulshekar Church hall. The half a day convention was inaugurated by Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha the Bishop of Mangalore, by open and honoring the Bible with incensing and garland that was brought in a solemn procession to the hall.
Mr Robert D Souza Diocesan secretary SCC, Fr Joachim Fernandes the Director of SCC, Fr George Lobo Regional Secretary SCC, Most Rev. Dr Henry D Souza Bishop of Bellary diocese, and Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha Bishop of Mangalore were present on the dais.
Bishop Henry conducted an interactive session in the insights of the synod on the role of priests, religious Youth animators and parents in guiding our youth in the church.
The members of ICYM enacted a biblical skit and performed a dance for theme song of year of youth Mangalore diocese.
In His Chief guest address Fr George appreciated the growth of SCC in Mangalore diocese and how our SCC meetings have become the model for others. He invited us form Basic Human Communities that of Indonesia, where Christians are a minority.
In the presidential address, Bishop Peter Paul appreciated the efforts of organizing the convention. He said the methodology of working with the people of other faiths in studying their religious books or literature, understanding their celebrations, inviting them to share the meaning and relevance of their important feasts in the SCC meetings etc. This will enable to build good relationship with others and to promote Bandutva. He requested to cooperate in the diocesan level survey, that must be finished by 15 May 2019 and then a Pastoral Plan for the diocese must be prepared.
Fr Walter D Souza the Former Director of SCC was felicitated by the Bishop for his great contributions to SCC.
Bishop Peter Paul unveiled two books on the occasion.
Fr Joachim Fernnades welcomed the gathering, Kasargod deanery lead the prayer and bible procession, Fr Water D Souza and team Conducted actions songs, Fr Paul Pinto Parish Priest Surathkal compeered the program and Mr Robert D Souza presented the annual report of SCC.
