Report and pics by Fr Anil Fernandes, CCC
MANGALORE, MARCH 29: Mangalore Christian Council (MCC), Commission for Ecumenism, Diocese of Mangalore, All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights-Western Zone (AKUCFHR-WZ) organised Ecumenical Senior Citizens’ Lenten Meditation on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at Cordel Hall here in the city. As many as 300 senior citizens participated in the gathering.
The prayer meet began with praise and worship led by priests, nuns and lay faithful of Cordel.
Rev. Fr Clifford Fernandes, Secretary, MCC and Commission for Ecumenism, Diocese of Mangalore and Parish Priest, Cordel Church preached the Word of God and fecilitated reflective meditation. He said, “Holiness is wholeness. Call to holiness is for all.” He said that, in the path of holiness, one must strive to come close to God in prayer which must help him or her to come close to his fellow brethren. Holiness is also represented by one’s close association with the Church and her leaders. A priest’s holiness consists in his approach to his brothers and sisters. The holiness of married couples must be reflected in their love towards each other and to their children.
Rev. Vinayalal Bangera, CSI Church Haleyangadi explored the challenges of senior citizens and their role in today’s society. He said, “There is a big gap between the younger and the older generations in terms of communication, lifestyle, respect for elders, and family responsibility. Both youth and senior citizens do not go along with each other.”
Rev. Vinayala said that senior citizens have a big role to play today in their families to bridge the gap. It happens when senior citizens understand and guide the youth and children. A meaningful relationship can be achieved between youth and senior citizens when there is sharing of personal experiences and sharing of life’s joys and struggles.
He urged the senior citizens to do all that is possible to do after the age of 60 utilizing all the resources and capabilities they possess.
Mr Alfred M. Amanna, Secretary, AKUCFHR-WZ said the opening prayers.
Rev. Winnifred Ammanna, Pastor CSI, Joshiya Memorial Church, Shakthinagar welcomed the gathering
Rev. Dr J. B. Saldanha, PRO, Diocese of Mangalore and parish priest of Bejai gave concluding remarks.
Rev. Dr Sandeep Theophil, Secretary, MCC proposed the vote of thanks.
Rev. Fr Ronson Pinto, Assistant Parish Priest, Bendur said the prayer before the meals.
Rev. Fr Rupesh Madtha co-ordinated the event.
