MONTH OF April 2023
CONCLAVE FOR THE LEADERSHIP OF THE BOYS' CELL OF THE ACJM
The leadership of the Boys' Cell of the ACJM got together for a conclave in South Goa from 29th April 2023 to 1st May 2023. Such youth-oriented conclaves not only help young boys and girls to face the struggles and challenges in today's world but also equip them to be an example to others sailing in the same boat. Many of those who are in the top leadership of the ACJM today were part of the youth once upon a time. The regular feeding of the Word of God and the strong Christian fellowship, especially at conclaves like these, have led them to hold on to Christ and become today what God meant them to be.
MONTH OF MAY 2023
KIDS OUTING
A Kids outing was organised by the ACJM on 1st May at Rachol Seminary in South Goa. The many kids were brought by buses from various cities in Goa. With games and gospel activities planned for all age groups, the day was packed with fun. The kids cell has been in operation for many years, even during the pandemic. A dedicated team is involved in leading these kids inch-by-inch towards being Christ-dedicated kids as they grow.
CONCLAVE FOR THE LEADERSHIP OF THE GIRLS' CELL OF THE ACJM
Like the Boys Cell, the Girls cell is where the spiritual formation of girls takes place by means of regular meetings and conclaves. The conclave for the leadership of the girls' cell of the ACJM was held in South Goa on 6th and 7th May 2023.
PILGRIMAGE TO OLD GOA
On 13th May 2023, the day marking the first of the many apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima, the ACJM organised a day-long guided pilgrimage to Old Goa, a historical site and city of great significance not only to Goans but also to people from India and all across the world. Altogether four AC coaches were arranged to carry Crusader pilgrims from their respective zones (Vasco, Panjim and Margao) to Old Goa.
The pilgrims were taken in groups to different sites and a detailed explanation was given by the tour guides at each of these sites. Animators were also set aside to lead the groups into prayer. The tour guides as well as the animators were none other than the members of the ACJM. What surprised everyone was the way in which the history of each site had something to tell about the present-day spiritual condition of both man and the world at large.
Time was also given for silent prayer at each of the sites, especially those associated with miraculous events in the past.
On their way back, all the pilgrims shared one thing in common: Although they had been to Old Goa a number of times, all they knew was about St. Francis Xavier. But they had never heard of known of the existence of the many other sites in Old Goa that had such rich history and great spiritual significance.
CONCLAVE FOR THE LEADERSHIP OF THE WIDOWS MINISTRY
Widows are mentioned on many occasions in the Bible and one can say without doubt that they have a special place in the heart of God. Many, after having a close encounter with God and recognising that their widowhood is a new calling from Him, commit themselves to build His kingdom. That has been the experience of the widows in the widows ministry of the ACJM. Widows from different parts of Goa meet together regularly, in order to be strengthened by way of listening to the Word of God and the sharing of personal experiences, and in turn, strengthen widows who are in need of help. The leadership of this fast-growing ministry gathered together recently for a conclave in North Goa from 18th to 20th May 2023.
CONCLAVE FOR THE LEADERSHIP OF THE INTERCESSION MINISTRY
The intercession ministry of the ACJM is the generator that keeps the organisation running with the fuel of regular and fervent prayer. Besides this, it also caters to various prayer requests that come in through the intercession network. A conclave was held for the leadership of the intercession ministry in South Goa from 24th to 25th May 2023.
VILLAGE OUTREACH PROGRAM AT VALKINI, SANGUEM
A team of 14 Crusaders set out to conduct a village outreach program in the village of Valkini in Sanguem Taluka on 25th and 26th May 2023. Valkini is further divided into four wards called waddos namely: Colony 1, Colony 2, Colony 3 and Bhati. On the 25th morning, the team members went two-by-two to visit the houses in Colony 1 and Colony 2 and pray along with the families. A call was given to everyone to gather at the chapel in the evening. A gospel program consisting of praise and worship, testimonies, preaching, etc. was held at the chapel in the evening. On the following day, the house visits were done in Colony 3 and Bhati and the program was held once again at the chapel in the evening. The team members returned back home after that.
In spite of the extreme summer heat and the need to be on the move from dawn to dusk, the team remained in high spirits; the anointing of God was felt throughout the campaign. Undoubtedly, this can be seen as the work of the Holy Spirit.
OVERNIGHT RETREAT FOR THE YOUNG MARRIED HEARTS
The first few years of married life are the most crucial not only for the purpose of sustaining the marriage but also for making it most enjoyable. And that can happen only with a constant and generous dose of the Word of God and also an exchange of a frank evaluation between the spouses. The 'Young Married Heart' ministry provides such opportunities by way of regular meetings and retreats to couples who have been married for up to 15 years. An overnight retreat was held for the members of the ministry in South Goa on the 27th and 28th of May 2023.
