MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2024
Crusaders pay a Courtesy call on the Aux. Bishop of Goa
The members of the Elders Forum of the Association of Crusaders paid a courtesy call on the Aux. Bishop of Goa Rev. Simiao Fernandes on Saturday 14th Sept and spent some time with him at the Archbishop's House in Panjim. They also invited him to preside over the next ACJM Foundation Day celebrations in March next year which he kindly consented to. The Elders sought the blessings of the Aux. Bishop on the work and activities of the ACJM. It was a very heart-warming meeting with his Grace the Aux. Bishop.
IGNITE FOR CHRIST - Youth Retreat
The Crusaders annual youth retreat titled 'Ignite for Christ' was held on 14th and 15th September 2024 at St. Therese Retreat Centre in South Goa. Youth from various parts of Goa attended the retreat. Such initiation retreats serve as the starting point of a Spiritual Formation Program designed to equip the youth to not only deal with the common problems in their lives but also to become true witnesses of Christ in this dark and challenging world where moral values among the youth are fast declining in every country across the globe. The formation program is time-tested as many in the leadership of the ACJM today have emerged from the Youth Cell of the Crusaders.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Widows Ministry
On 15th September, the Widows Ministry members of the ACJM gathered for a day-long program at a house in South Goa to commemorate 10 years. The program began with a video presentation taking everyone down memory lane. This was followed by a group counseling session conducted by Br. Edmund Antao. Besides serving as a learning experience for everyone going through the various struggles of widowhood, the session also resulted in greater bonding between the widows. Br. Edmund also shared the Word of God which strengthened them further. This was followed by celebrating the Holy Mass, cutting the cake, fellowship meal, and interacting with one another. Finally, the members returned home with great joy and a sense of belonging.
Core Conclave for the Intercession Ministry
Throughout the year, the ACJM is actively involved in conducting mass evangelization and disciple-building work such as retreats, conclaves, village campaigns, online conferences, etc. But what keeps it really going is the intercession ministry. The intercession ministry is the spiritual generator of the ACJM and its members gather faithfully to pray together. Besides this, they also pray for those who request prayers through an intercession chain that is active 24 x 7. The leading members of the intercession ministry got together for a core conclave at Pallotti Home Chicalim from 20th to 22nd September.
Conclave for Leadership of the South Zone
A conclave was held for the leadership of the South Goa Regional Core Committee from 27 to 29 September 2024 at Pallotti Home, Chicalim. At the conclave, Br. Edmund Antao, the Spiritual Guide of the ACJM, stressed the importance of making God's call a permanent experience. Through meditation on the Word of God, the core members were led into a deeper understanding of their call and some of the dangers that could result in their disqualification.
Gospel Harmony: A Harmonious Gathering of Faith and Music
On September 29th, the ACJM music ministry hosted a Gospel Harmony program at the Carmelite Monastery Hall in Goa. This event brought together over 50 singers, instrumentalists, and music enthusiasts from across the State. The program began with a short introduction highlighting the importance of singing for the glory of God. This was followed by a talk emphasizing the healing power of music when blessed by God, as exemplified by King David. Besides this, the qualities of a true musician and the significance of using musical talents to glorify God were also dealt with in the talk.
After an engaging biblical quiz, the guest speaker, Fr. Mathew Rebello from Rachol Seminary, conducted a session on vocal harmony. Participants were then divided into four groups (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass) for intensive training.
The culmination of the program was a beautiful performance of two hymns, showcasing the harmonious blend of voices from all four groups. The event concluded with a fellowship gathering, where participants expressed a desire to meet monthly to continue learning, sharing, and glorifying God through music.
