PANAJI
The Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman celebrated the Jubilee of the Word of God at the St Thomas Church, Aldona, on January 26, on the occasion of the Sunday dedicated to the Word of God.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Henry Falcão, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone. Fr Mariano D'Costa (Director, Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate), Fr Tomas Lobo (Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone and Parish Priest, St Thomas Chuch, Aldona), Fr Mario Leitao (Parish Priest, St Sebastian's Church, Calvim), Fr Caitano D'Souza (Chaplain, St Rita of Cascia Chapel, Carona), Fr Gualberto D'Souza (Chaplain, Our Lady of Piety Chapel, Quitula), Fr Angelo Simoes (Assistant to the Parish Priest, St Thomas Church, Aldona) and Deacon Jason Travaso concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.
In his homily on the theme ‘I hope in your Word’, Fr Falcão called on the faithful to build their lives upon the Word of God.
Fr Falcão, who also serves as the Director of the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa, reminded the faithful that God's Word is not reserved for a select few but is for everyone.
“Every human being, every disciple of Christ, needs to base our life on the Word of God,” he stated.
Fr Falcão also highlighted the significance of participating in the Bible course and explained that by doing so, the faithful had accepted their responsibilities towards both the Word of God and the Church.
Fr Falcão further explained that the Word of God renews and heals every person, and concluded his homily with a strong appeal to the faithful to take the Word of God seriously and allow it to transform their lives into something new.
Fr Tomas Lobo extended a warm welcome to all those present, while Fr Falcão spoke on the significance of the Bible Course conducted in the deanery.
Lavina Cardozo and Nelson Fernandes shared their experiences participating in the Bible Course. The event was anchored by Sandhya Fernandes, while Fr Mariano D’Costa, Director of the Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate, expressed gratitude to all involved.
The occasion also saw the felicitation of collaborators who had been involved in the Bible course organised by the Centre. A total of 134 participants from the Aldona deanery were awarded diplomas for completing the Bible course.
The Rite of enthronement of the Bible was also conducted at the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration.
During the Bible Week, the Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate will focus on daily reflections on Bible verses, an explanation of Biblical Symbols of Hope, an online Bible Quiz, and visits to the sick by Biblical Animators. During these visits, prayer services will be conducted in families.
