DIPLOMA DAY CELEBRATION OF SEVADHORMIK SEVOK VARADANT XXIII IN THE DEANERY OF CHINCHINIM
The Diocesan Centre for Liturgy celebrated the Diploma Day event of Sevadhormik Sevok Varadant XXIII in the Deanery of Chinchinim on 12th March, 2023 at Our Lady of Hope Church, Chinchinim.
The Solemn Eucharist was presided over by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão and was concelebrated by over 15 priests from the deanery and other surrounding parishes. At the beginning of the Eucharist, Fr. Alex D’Souza, the Parish Priest of the parish of Chinchinim welcomed the Cardinal and Joyce Martins e Vaz, a participant from Grace Church, Margao gave a floral vase. The Solemn Rite of Conferral of Diplomas was held within the Eucharist at which a total number of 170 participants from the deanery and surrounding parishes received the Diplomas from the hands of the Cardinal. Judie Rodrigues, a participant from Our Lady of Mercês Chapel, Sirlim, Chinchinim shared her experience. Fr. Afonso Mendonça, Fr. Simião Fernandes and Fr. Savio Fernandes, the resource persons were thanked for their knowledgeable, lively, informative, faith filled and interactive sessions. The pastors in the parish – Fr. Alex D’Souza, Fr. Christopher Fernandes, Fr. Joseph Gama and Fr. Victor Viegas and Lay Coordinators – Sr. Namrata Monteiro, Amina Vaz, Wency Fernandes, Maria-Lourdes Fernandes, Ramsy Afonso and Salvita Viegas played their role as warm accommodative hosts. The Dean Fr. Alex D’Souza, thanked the Cardinal, the priests and the Director and Staff of the Diocesan Centre for Liturgy for organising the course. Fr. Afonso Mendonça, the Director, was given a memento by Amina Vaz, a participant from Our Lady of Hope Church, Chinchinim on behalf of the participants.
The Course which consisted of 9 sessions began in the month of June and included the following topics: Liturgy and my role in it; the Seven Sacraments (in particular the Eucharist); the Bible and how to read it; the Liturgical Year and its significance in our life; the Role of the Laity in the Church; the Liturgical Calendar; Liturgical Music; Hints to write Liturgy; Called to be Effective Proclaimers; Hints to make Sunday Liturgy meaningful; How to pray the Prayer of the Church; Know your Liturgical Books; etc. Several other liturgical topics too are covered: Should there be Sunday Collections and where do they go? Is it needed to cover heads at Eucharist? How should we receive communion at Eucharist – in Hand or on Tongue? Can we celebrate Feasts on a Sunday of the Easter Season? What is the difference between Adoration and Veneration? Can we venerate Our Lady and the Saints? What are the requirements for Nuptial Masses? These, and several other topics will be dealt with at the elaborate and enriching sessions. The details of the same course in the next Pastoral Year 2023 – 2024 are as follows: Sevadhormik Sevok XXVIII (Diocesan Level – Residential – Konkani) at the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa; Liturgical Animators V (Diocesan Level – Full Day – English) at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Caranzalem, and Sevadhormik Sevok Varadant XXIV (Deanery Level – Full Day – Konkani) in the Deanery of Raia.