MONTH OF MARCH 2024
Foundation Day of the ACJM to commemorate 27 years since its inception
On Sunday, 3rd March 2024, Crusaders from all over Goa gathered for a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph Vaz Sanctuary at Sancolae to celebrate the Foundation Day of the ACJM. Br. Marlon D'Cruz is currently the Coordinator General of the ACJM. Br. Edmund Antao, the founder and 1st Coordinator General of the ACJM is now serving as the Spiritual Superintendent General of the Association. Nuns, priests, well-wishers, and donors were also present at the Foundation Day to commemorate 27 years since the inception of the Association. The main celebrant for the Mass was Fr. Simplicio Fernandes, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Colva.
Soon after the Thanksgiving Mass, everyone gathered outside the Church for an evening of celebration and fellowship. With their melodious singing and lively music, the All 4 Jesus Gospel band set the right tone for praising and thanking God for the 27 glorious years He has taken the Crusaders through. After the cutting of the cake, Br. Marlon addressed the audience. Br. Edmund Antao followed next on stage and stressed the need for every Crusader to possess the virtue of humility if the ACJM is to reach even greater heights. Besides the music and singing, there were also testimonies by various members of the ACJM. A worship dance was put together by the Girls Cell of the ACJM.
Lenten Retreats Conducted by the Crusaders
The Crusaders were invited to conduct a 2-day Lenten retreat at Our Lady of Miracles Church in Sanguem, South Goa, on 9th and 10th March 2024. The compact schedule, consisting of praise and worship, talks, testimonies, adoration, and various audiovisuals, is designed to help every participant bring his life in line with the Word of God.
A separate Lenten Retreat was conducted by the Crusaders at Our Lady of Piety Chapel in Ugem, South Goa, on 16th and 17th March 2024.
Boys Day Out
On 10th March 2024, the leading members of the Boys Cell of the ACJM gathered in Vasco to strengthen themselves spiritually by way of praying together, meditating on the Word of God, watching a gospel movie, and simply spending time with each other. But it did not end there. Having strengthened themselves in the first half of the day, they went out together to strengthen others by visiting an Old Age Home in Vasco and spending considerable time with the inmates there, singing gospel songs for them, sharing the Word of God, and interacting with them. By the end of the day, they emerged even stronger and more joyful after reaching out to others. As the scripture says, "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." Acts 20:35.
Day-Long Program for Members of the Young Married Hearts Ministry
The leading members of the Young Married Hearts Ministry got together at Pallotti Home, in Chicalim, on 17th March for a day-long program consisting of praise and worship sessions, marriage-specific talks, and group discussions. Such programs are held regularly and serve to spiritually enrich the married life of those who are part of the ministry.
Way of the Cross organised by the Vasco Zone
The Vasco zone organised a special Way of the Cross for its members at St. Xaviers Church in Chicalim.
