The Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate (DCBA) of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman celebrated the Jubilee of the Word of God on 26th January, 2025 at St. Thomas Church, Aldona, on the occasion of the 6th World Sunday of the Word of God. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Henry Falcão, Episcopal Vicar, Central Zone and Director of St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old-Goa. He reflected on the theme of the celebration: ‘I hope in your Word’ (St. 119:74) and reminded the faithful in his homily that God’s Word is not reserved for a selected few but is for everyone. “If we want to live according to the will of God, we need to live as a member of the Body of Christ, the Church,” he further said. Rev. Fr. Mariano D’Costa (DCBA), Rev. Fr. Tomas Lobo (Parish Priest), Rev. Fr. Mario Leitão (Dean, Aldona Deanery), Rev. Fr. Caitan D’Souza (Chaplain, Carona), Rev. Fr. Gualberto de Souza (Chaplain, Quitula) and Rev. Fr. Agnel Simoes (Asst. Parish Priest) concelebrated at the Eucharistic celebration. Deacon Jason Travasso too assisted at the Mass. A total of 134 participants from Aldona Deanery were awarded Diploma on completing the Bible Course. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by the Biblical Programme. Fr. Tomas welcomed the gathering. The programme consisted of a prayer dance, a song titled Povitr Pustok sung by Sweet voices (Children’s Choir), a devotional song titled Bapa Tujea Hatant sung by the Catechists and a Manddo Devacho Sobd composed by Fr. Tomas and Dulpod by Mrs Ruth D’Souza, respectively. There were also spot prizes based on Bible. The close collaborators of DCBA and the Bible Course were felicitated at the hands of Fr. Henry, the Chief Guest of the day. In his message, Fr. Henry spoke on the significance of the celebration of Jubilee of the Word of God. He congratulated all the participants of the Bible Course. He also appreciated DCBA for conducting and the St. Thomas Church for organising the Bible Course, respectively. Mrs. Lavina Cardoz and Mr. Nelson Fernandes shared their experience of the Bible Course. Fr. Mariano and Ms. Ravela D’ Cruz expressed their gratitude to all involved and worked for the success of the celebration. The event was anchored by Mrs Sandhya Fernandes. The other highlights of the Sunday of the Word of God and the Bible Week were as follows: Photo Booth with Jubilee and Scripture message, Book Stall with Bibles and Biblical material, Enthronement of the Bible in families, visits of Biblical Animators to the Sick and homebound with a prayer service, Online Bible Quiz titled Risen Lord, our Hopeful Horizon, everyday a reflection pamphlet on Biblical Symbols of Hope, etc. Let us be bearers of God’s Word, walking on the Synodal Journey, as ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’
Mrs Sandhya Fernandes
Biblical Animator
