MONTH OF MARCH 2025
Foundation Day of the ACJM
The Foundation Day of the Association of Crusaders for Jesus with Mary was celebrated on Sunday, 2nd March 2025, at the sanctuary of St. Joseph Vaz in Sancoale Goa. Initiated in 1997 and founded on 3rd March 2000, the Association has completed 28 long years from the time God brought the movement into existence. What began as a small group of people burning with the zeal to serve Jesus after encountering Him at a retreat, slowly bloomed into an Association with several ministries and with members spread over Goa, India, and abroad.
The celebration of the Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Simao Purificacao Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa, Daman, and Diu. Crusaders, benefactors, and well-wishers from various parts of Goa were seen in attendance.
After the celebration of the Holy Mass, everyone gathered outside the Sanctuary for a brief program. The members of the Elders forum gathered on the stage to cut the anniversary cake. After the cake was cut, a special publication of the ACJM was released at the hands of the Auxiliary Bishop. This was followed by an address by Br. Edmund Antao, the Spiritual Guide of the ACJM. The Auxillary Bishop also addressed the crowd and commended the Crusaders for their dedicated service to the Catholic Church. Next was the felicitation ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of some of the long-serving members of the Association. The celebration ended with an agape meal.
Conclave of the Office Staff of the ACJM
The office staff of the ACJM gathered together for a conclave in South Goa from 6th March to 9th March 2025. Each of the staff members plays a crucial role in the functioning of the ACJM. Over the years, with the evolution of the ministries and the increasing evangelisation and disciple-building work of the organisation, there has been a pressing need for more laborers. In the words of Jesus, "There is a large harvest, but few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest." God has been gracious enough to add one more staff member, Elroy Pereira to the Head Office.
During the conclave, an evaluation was done of the spiritual life, the organizational work, and the office tasks handled by each of the staff members. Time was also spent in meditation on the Word of God, prayer, celebrating the Holy Mass, planning, fellowship, etc.
Offline Meeting of the Girls Cell
The Girls Cell of the ACJM met on 9th March at the Margao Office of the Crusaders. The meeting began with a lively praise and worship session after which the girls took turns to introduce themselves. Next, they watched a spiritual movie "Remember the Goal". After the movie was over, each one shared various aspects of the movie that had touched them. The Word of God was shared on the topic 'Selfless Lent' and spiritual exercises were listed out for the next 5 weeks of the Lent. After thanking the Lord, the girls had a small fellowship session along with tea and snacks. Offline Girls Cell meetings like these are held from time to time besides the regular online meetings.
Outing of the Members of the Teens Cell
On 9th March, the members of the Teens Cell got together in the evening to spend some time before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. After that, they played some games and then went home.
Seminar for Married Couples
A seminar based on the topic 'Raising a generation for Christ' was organised by the Young Married Hearts (YMH) ministry of the ACJM on 14th March 2025 at Pallotti Home. In recent years, there has been a tremendous decay of moral and spiritual values among the younger generation. A major factor at play is the polluted school environment in which innocent children are exposed to all sorts of evil influences. The YMH ministry has taken up the task of exploring means by which parents can safeguard their children's spiritual and moral values while providing them with the necessary education. The finger of God appears to be pointing to 'Homeschooling,' which is a growing trend all over the world. Concerned parents are resorting to this form of education inorder to shield their children from immorality, which has penetrated mainstream schools.
While dealing with the core topic of 'Raising a generation for Christ', guest speakers were invited to speak on the concept of 'Homeschooling'.
Growth-Level Orientation Camp for Leading Cadres in the Konkani Section of the ACJM
A growth-level orientation camp was organised by the ACJM for the leading cadres in the Konkani section of the ACJM from 14th March to 16th March at Pallotti Home.
Outing of the Members of the Widows Ministry
On 20th March 2025, the members of the Widows Ministry from various parts of Goa set out early in the morning to be there at a beach in South Goa. Their purpose was to spend the entire day together. Some of those present were meeting for the first time and so, the day began with the members introducing themselves. Soon, they found themselves drawn into worship and thanksgiving as they recognized the hand of God in creation - the golden sand, the crashing waves, the soothing sea breeze, etc. This was followed by reflection on the Word of God.
At about noon everyone proceeded to a Religious Home where they had lunch, played a biblical housie, and cut the birthday cake of those members celebrating their birthdays in March. After praying the chaplet of the Divine Mercy, a considerable time was spent in intercession and then everyone proceeded to the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Carmona. There, after spending some time with the aged people, they departed for home.
