PANAJI
The All India Mission Seminary, Pilar, celebrated the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by having an Ecumenical Prayer Meet on January 25 in the Seminary Chapel.
Rector of the Mission Seminary Rev Fr Peter Melo Fernandes welcomed the gathering and led the representatives of different Christian Churches in lighting the lamp signifying the presence of the Risen Lord sharing His light and love with us as ‘One Family’.
Rev Emerson Carmel representing the Methodist Church, Irene George from the Rupantaran Fellowship Church, Rev Sheejo Abraham from St Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church and Rev Fr Tony Lopes representing the Roman Catholic Church shared their reflections during the prayer service.
The main theme of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was “Do good; seek justice”. The reflections by the Church representatives were based on the main theme and all of them affirmed that “the courage of humility” is essential to attaining unity among Christians. The melodious singing by members of different Churches added awe to the prayer service. During the service the symbols of water “ signifying the sacramental life; and stone - signifying the sacredness of the ground on which many generations have stood.
The prayer meeting made everyone realise that every follower of Jesus belongs to the mystical Body of Christ and to be witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus through unity, love and service. Fr Benson Valiyaveettil coordinated the Ecumenical meeting which concluded with a fellowship meal.
