MONTH OF JULY 2024
Gathering of the Konkani Mogi-s (Lovers)
The Konkani mogi-s (lovers) from Salcette, Vasco and Waddem-Sanguem gathered together for a prayer session at Pallotti Home, Chicalim on 7th July 2024. Such prayer sessions consisting of praise and worship, Word of God and fellowship are held regularly every 45 days besides the weekly online prayer meetings conducted in Konkani, the local language of Goa.
Musical Evening by Marc and Marcia - the singing duo from Chennai
A Musical Evening based on the theme 'We belong to Christ' was organised by the Youth ministry in collaboration with the Music ministry of the ACJM at the Agnel Ashram Auditorium in Verna, South Goa, on 13th July 2024. With a mixture of Gospel as well as secular songs and also a little proclamation of the Word of God, the evening was meant to send a strong message to the audience... Though we are in the world, we are not of the world. (John 17:11). We belong to Christ. This is somewhat along the lines of what St. Don Bosco said, “Whatever you do, think of the Glory of God as your main goal.” “Run, jump, shout, but do not sin.”
The event was widely attended by music lovers, both young and old, from all over Goa. The well-acclaimed singing duo from Chennai, Marc and Marcia, along with their three sons, Isaiah, Samuel and Daniel captured the audience with their lively singing.
The event began with a warm welcome to the Chennai team and was followed by a heart-stirring praise and worship session led mainly by Marc and Marcia. Their three sons also took turns glorifying God with their melodious singing. Although singing for weddings, parties, and star hotel events has been their profession for more than 15 years, both Marc and Marcia are deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. Whatever the occasion, wherever they may be performing, they make sure they bear witness to God in little ways such as wearing the scapular/rosary around their necks. The children too have learned from their parents to fear God and honor Him despite all the negative influence that the world has on today's youth.
The round of praise and worship was followed by a worship dance put together by the Girls Cell of the ACJM. Soon after the worship dance, Br. Edmund Antao, the Spiritual Guide of the ACJM addressed the crowd. He explained how divine providence allowed him to take note of the singing duo mainly because of the scapular they were wearing around their necks during their performances. He then went on to explain the significance of the scapular given by Our Lady of Mount Carmel and how it serves not only as a protection from the attacks of the devil but also can bring about healing provided we believe. The explanation was followed by a brief healing session and the crowd could be seen exercising their faith.
Next what followed was live singing again by Marc and Marcia and their three sons. This time it was a set of jazz, rock, disco, pop, and country songs, right from the 1950s up to the latest. The family of singers had the whole crowd singing and dancing. Once could not resist dancing along to the familiar tunes of songs that are often sung at Goan weddings.
Up Close with Marc and Marcia - the singing duo from Chennai
The following evening on 14th July 2024, another event titled 'Up Close with Marc and Marcia' was organised mainly by the Music Ministry of the ACJM at Patrocin Chapel Hall in Benaulim in South Goa. The Music ministry began with a session of praise and worship with its live band playing on stage. After enjoying the session, the audience settled down to listen to the testimonies of Marc and Marcia and their three sons. Each of them was thoroughly frank and open in sharing about their lives. Marc and Marcia took turns sharing how they went through various struggles in life, how they found God in those struggles, their total surrender to God, the marriage conflicts and how they resolved them with God's help, the upbringing of their children, giving Jesus the first place in their lives, etc. The three sons had their own stories of how the faith kept them going as they witnessed the struggles of their parents. Everything they spoke was truly inspiring, especially to the Crusaders who were present at the event.
Crusaders Invited at the Inauguration of the Matrimony Portal for Indian Catholics
On July 26, 2024, a revolutionary Matrimony Portal, designed to help Indian Catholics find their perfect match, was unveiled by the Family Commission of the CCBI at the Archbishop's House in Panjim, Goa. His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the CCBI and Archbishop of Goa and Daman, inaugurated the portal with a blessing. The launch was attended by dignitaries, including Bishop Simiao Purificaçao Fernandes, Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Fr Arul Raj Gali, Fr. Duming Gonsalves, Karl Fernandes and Vinita Fernandes of Missionary Families of Christ and Marlon D'Cruz and Diana D'Cruz of Crusader for Jesus with Mary.
Conclave for Leading Members of the Advanced Crusaders Ministry
The Advanced Crusaders Ministry (ACM) of the ACJM is a ministry that caters to those advancing in age and are yet filled with the zeal to serve God. Like any other ministry of the ACJM, they often meet together to listen to the Word of God and also spend time in fellowship with one another.
A conclave was held recently for the leading members of the ACM on 28th and 29th July 2024 in South Goa. Those attending this conclave were sworn in as core members of the ministry. The conclave was held in preparation for a day-long program on the 11th of August 2024 at Pallotti Home in Chicalim, Vasco commemorating one year since the inception of the ministry.
Orientation Program for Leading Boys and Girls
On 28th July 2024, an orientation program was held in South Goa for the leading boys and girls of the Youth Ministry of the ACJM coming from various parts of Goa.
