MANGALORE, APRIL 26 : In an initiative to promote Vocations to priesthood and religious life among altar servers, Mother Theresa deanery, Surathkal organised “Vedichi Vishes Sobhay’ a day’s camp for all the altar servers of the deanery at Surathkal Church Hall on April 26, 2022.
Almost 70 altar servers from five parishes attended the camp. Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director, Vocation Service Centre, Mangalore, Rector, Gladsom Home Minor Seminary, Director, Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore was the resource person. He motivated altar servers to respond to God’s Call and choose a life which pleases the Lord. He helped them to discern their call and gave them a brief understanding of priestly and religious life.
As part of the programme, all altar servers attended the Holy Mass. During the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr Anil Fernandes said, “Altar servers are the chosen ones to be close to the altar at every Mass. You are all invited to be close to the Lord and serve Him dearly. You are all called to be holy as you touch the holy articles used for the mass. The desire to serve the Altar must inspire you to become priests and religious so that one day you yourself can offer this Holy Sacrifice in your hands.”
Fr Anil Fernandes also briefed about different congregations of religious men and women and their Way of Life to help children to make an informed decision while choosing their Way of Life.
Besides the mass and motivational talks, the day was filled with sing-songs, group activities, quiz, dance and lots of fun. Br Steevan Rodrigues (Kasaragod), Betharam Fathers, Br Rayan D’Almeida (Nakre) and Br Nevil Menezes, (Mulki) Capuchins facilitated sing songs and group activities.
Rev. Fr Sylvester DCosta, Parish Priest of Mulki co-ordinated the whole programme. Very Rev. Fr Paul Pinto, Parish Priest of Surathkal hosted the programme and made all local arrangements. Few religious sisters and altar servers’ animators were present.
