PANAJI
The Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate (DCBA), in collaboration with Konknni Daiz Trust, organised ‘Utor-Vach’ – Effective Reading and Proclamation of the Word of God, a workshop aimed at helping participants develop the skills needed to read and proclaim the Konkani Bible effectively during liturgical celebrations.
The seminar was held at the Holy Spirit Institute, Margao, on September 19, 2026. The programme began with the Enthronement of the Bible, highlighting the central place of the Word of God in the life and mission of the Church.
The chief guest was Fr Manuel Gomes, Parish Priest of Amparo Church, Mandur. The keynote address and main workshop session were conducted by Fr Alfred Vaz, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
Fr Alfred Vaz conducted a detailed session on the liturgical aspects of proclaiming the Word of God. He explained the skills required for effective proclamation and stressed the importance of proper preparation by lectors before proclaiming the Scriptures during the liturgy.
Agnelo Borim guided participants on proper articulation, pronunciation, voice modulation and tone while reading and proclaiming the Word of God. Fr Polly Lobo shared his pastoral experiences and spoke about the importance of the Word of God in pastoral ministry.
The practical sessions were conducted under the guidance of Fr Roman Rodrigues, Fr Anthony Carvalho, Fr Milagres Dias, Fr Polly Lobo, Fr Mario Costa, Fr Alfred Vaz, Fr Rock Da Costa, Fr Menino Vales, Agnelo Borim, John Silveira and Celso Fernandes. Participants were given opportunities to practise their reading and proclamation skills and receive guidance from the resource persons.
Welcoming the gathering, Fr Onasis D’Cruz, Director of DCBA, stressed the importance of proclaiming the Word of God with faith, clarity and understanding. Fr Myron Jeson Barreto, who leads the Konknni Daiz Trust, proposed the vote of thanks.
Ivy Ferrao compered the programme. The seminar also featured musical performances by Craby Fernandes and Rosario Fernandes, adding a spiritual and joyful element to the gathering.
The organisers stressed that effective proclamation of the Word is not simply about reading aloud. It requires proper preparation, understanding, pronunciation, expression and a deep sense of reverence for Sacred Scripture.
At the end of the seminar, participation certificates were presented to all participants in recognition of their involvement in the workshop.
The ‘Utor-Vach’ seminar provided participants with an opportunity to strengthen their skills and deepen their understanding of the responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God, particularly in the Konkani language.
