Diocesan Catechetical Day Celebration held at Pernem
Catechetical Day was celebrated at the Diocesan level with a lot of religious fervour in the Parish of Pernem. His Eminence Most Rev. Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão presided over the Eucharistic Celebration which was concelebrated by Fr Rolland Lin Fernandes (Dean of Pernem Deanery), Fr Romeu Godinho (Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre), Fr Avinash Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Pernem Church and other priests from the Archdiocese.
In his welcome address, Fr Romeu Godinho appreciated and thanked all the families of Pernem and Corgao who had wholeheartedly welcomed and served the 214 catechists during their weekend stay with them.
On this occasion, the Diocesan Catechetical Centre also felicitated 52 Catechists from Aldona, Bicholim, Calangute, Siolim, Mapusa and Pernem Deaneries for teaching catechesis in their parishes for more than 15 years. They were awarded with a certificate and a memento.
In his message, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão exhorted the catechists not only to be the messenger but to be the message. In Jesus, his mission and his person were one. He Himself not only preached the message but He himself was the message. Jesus established relationships with all, especially with the sinners and the downtrodden. He quoted the Gospel of Luke 21: 1- 10 and highlighted the transformation of Zacchaeus. He reminded the catechists that when we are messengers and messages, we become instruments of transformation. He commended the Catechists who had participated in the weekend programme and for experiencing new relationships with the families of Pernem. He also acknowledged and appreciated the services and sacrifices of the 52 catechists for being the message and the messengers.
Fr Avinash Mascarenhas, the parish priest of St Joseph Church, Pernem, said that through the celebration of the Catechetical Day in his parish, the parishioners experienced not only a grace filled encounter of Christ but in welcoming the catechists into their homes brought about a strong fraternal relationship.
Tr. Sinitta Dias Juliao from St Joseph High School, Arpora shared her weekend experience and Mr. Anthony Gonsalves from Siolim shared his experience as a catechist for more than 15 years. The catechists and children from Pernem Deanery presented a faith sharing programme. Ms Preeti Fernandes, Mr. Xavier Mascarenhas ani Ms. Swizerl Cardozo anchored the programme. Ms. Cleeta Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.