MONTH OF AUGUST 2024
Growth Retreat in Konkani
Over the last few years, the Charismatic Renewal has gained momentum in Goa, and several Konkani-speaking Catholics in particular have been drawn to the Word of God preached at Lenten retreats, prayer meetings, etc. However, if one has to grow spiritually, one can't keep on listening to the same level of teachings. As it is written in the letter to the Hebrews... You still need someone to teach you the first lessons of God's message. Instead of eating solid food, you still have to drink milk. (Hebrews 5:12). Solid food is nothing but going deeper into the scriptures to know God and His ways. Such solid food is for those who want to become mature people and reach the very height of Christ's full stature. (Ephesians 4:13). Sensing the need of the hour to provide such solid food to many in the Konkani ministry of the Crusaders, a residential growth retreat was organised from 2nd to 4th August 2024 at Pallotti Home Chicalim. The retreat which also dealt with aspects of 'inner healing' was based on the theme, "Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God." (Psalms 42:5).
Program by the Advanced Crusaders Ministry (ACM)
A day-long program was organised by the Advanced Crusaders Ministry (ACM) on 11th August 2024 at the Pilar Animation Centre in Pilar to commemorate one year since its inception. The program was largely attended by those advancing in age, including widows. It began with an opening praise and worship and was followed by a heart-rending skit put up by the members of the ACM. The rest of the day consisted of lively praise and worship accompanied by the ACM choir, talks by Br. Edmund Antao, the cake-cutting, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, and a sharing session. By the time everyone left, it was evident from the expressions on their faces that they were feeling very much lighter, stronger, and... younger.
South India Group Pilgrimage to Vailankanni with Mysore included
Around150 pilgrims from Goa set out on the annual Crusaders pilgrimage to Vailankanni in Tamil Nadu on 19th August 2024 in the morning by train. Having arrived in Vailankanni on 20th August afternoon, the pilgrims were lodged at the Shrine Retreat Centre there. After settling down in the rooms and having rested it out, the pilgrims then gathered in the Morning Star Church. Br. Edmund Antao gave an introductory there after which the pilgrims returned to the Shrine Retreat Centre for further sessions of praise and worship and talks. The pilgrims also joined the online novena to Our Lady Untier of Knots which was being attended by Crusaders in Goa and Crusader collaborators abroad. At the end of the day, guidelines were given to the pilgrims how to spend time in an effective way in Vailankanni. After attending Holy Mass and dinning together, everyone retired for the night.
On 21st August, early morning, the pilgrims walked in groups (Youth, Senior members, Married people, and the Konkani section) to the apparition site of Our Lady where she had appeared to the milk boy. In this spiritual exercise, everyone was encouraged to pray for their physical children, spiritual children (members in the prayer group), and then the needs of the ACJM and its ministries. After praying the rosary and lighting candles before the statue of Our Lady, the pilgrims returned back to the Retreat Centre for breakfast. Soon after breakfast, everyone proceeded to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health for the morning Mass. After Mass, the pilgrims were left to themselves to spend time in personal prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, praying the rosary in the Basilica, making a good confession at the Reconciliation Centre, etc. The evening sessions consisted of talks, praise and worship sessions, online novena to Our Lady Untier of knots and briefing for the following day.
22nd August being the feast day of Queenship of Our Lady, the pilgrims once again gathered together in groups to do the stations of the Cross separately. After returning to the retreat centre and having the morning breakfast, everyone got ready to attend the feast Mass of the Queenship of Our Lady at the Shrine Basilica. After the Mass, the pilgrims went in procession carrying the banners of Our Lady and a large garland of roses to the main altar of the Shrine Basilica. There the garland was presented to be put round the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni. Thereafter, everyone spent time in personal prayer before the main altar. In the evening, everyone gathered together for the retreat sessions. One of the sessions was set aside to interact with the orphans, who came from a nearby orphanage run by the Vailankanni Helping Hands. Another spiritual exercise for the evening consisted of couples praying together in their respective rooms. The youth and children were taken out to pray separately.
Morning of 23rd August, the day of departure, the pilgrims gathered together in the retreat hall for adoration. After breakfast, everyone went for Mass to the Basilica and then returned back to get ready to depart for Mysore. The group arrived in Mysore on 24th August 2024 early morning and were taken by private coaches straight to the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor where they attended Mass and were provided with a sumptuous breakfast by the Sisters. After freshening up, everyone boarded the buses that took them to the famous zoo in Mysore named Chamarajendra Zoological Garden. From there they were taken to the St. Philomena Cathedral and then a brief stopover at the Mysore Palace. After lunch, rest and evening tea at the Little Sisters Home, once again, the group was taken out to the Aquarium-world. Finally, after having dinner at the Little Sisters Home, the group departed to catch the train back to Goa. With the prayers and blessings of Our Lady of Vailankanni and the protection of the Almighty God, everyone arrived in Goa safe and sound, enriched in the faith and bubbling with great joy.
