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Edit:In defence of Small Christian Communities Fr. Joe A. Rodrigues |
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Small Christian
Communities (SCCs) are not altogether a new venture, at least, in the
parish of Saligao. In the early eighties we heard and we still hear
that the pastors of that time had already set the ball rolling in this
regard. Eventually, as the SCCs spirit-filled pastors were transferred, their work came to a gradual halt due to lack of required support and encouragement from the succeeding pastors. And why blame it only on the pastors ? Even the parishioners failed to carry forward what was entirely their domain precisely because they or rather a large majority of them, still enjoy the pre-Vatican II outlook of sitting on the fence and watching the whole show with intermittent praise and criticism. One truth that emerges from this experience is that SCCs, which started in Brazil without the help of the priests, needs support and involvement of the priests in Goa. This is a proven fact in Goa and in Mumbai as well. The concrete realities in Goa being different from that of Brazil, the establishment of SCCs here even without the keen interest and active involvement of the priests, - is, to a certain extent, an impossible dream to be fulfilled. This is not a pessimism but a plain realism. One of the hallmarks of SCCs is that its starting point is the Word of God and people. The small group of people gather to reflect on their day-to-day life enlightened by the Word of God. This is often done in the Mass during the Liturgy of the word. However, they don't stop only with reflection but try to translate what they have reflected upon into concrete actions (praxis). In short, the method to see, judge and act is applied to the celebration of the Word of God. The Spirit that permeates them is one of communion and participation. Naturally speaking, the SCCs seem to be an answer to the problems of modern society. Today's man is caught up and virtually lost in the web and demands of his own life which leaves him no time to turn his eyes to the needs of others. Families live like atoms without personal relationship with other families. The church has deeply felt the repercussions of this way of life and seriously realised that this existing status quo will reduce the Church to a mere service station for a Sunday congregation. To counteract this, the establishment of SCCs is thought to be a step in the right direction which will make the Church a community of communities and every Sunday Eucharist a celebration of this unity with faith which is already nurtured and kept alive in SCCs. This is our dream, a dream of a New Way of being Church; and we can fulfil it only we get actively involved in the parish pastoral field and give up sitting on the fence.
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New Year Resolutions Fay Lobo |
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As always each
year end, last December too, mind was occupied with my usual
RESOLUTION. Without fail every year (ever since I put on the unwanted
kilos) I make a firm resolution to cut down on sweets and snacks. This
is always made very firmly with a strong desire to stick to it.
Needless to say that this resolution is promptly broken by the end of
the first week in January. What with everyone back to routine someone
has to finish the left over Christmas sweets before they spoil. On a more serious note however, I chanced to read in a magazine a list of resolutions written by a puritan preacher in the 1700s, Jonathan Edwards ....
I am resolved ........ This has set me thinking seriously. Would I dare to adopt them as my own ? On second thoughts, I know I can't, at least not perfectly. But they are lofty ideals and my reading them will be a waste of time if I do not make an attempt in trying to emulate even a part of it, carrying it along with me, taking each day of Y2K one day at a time. Would you like to join me in trying. I am certain I am going to fail time and again, but then, nothing hinders me from using my failure as a stepping stone to success. Adopt a resolution and even if you fail, don't let it stop you from remaking it and keep on trying for as THE GOOD BOOK says' Isn't that what following CHRIST is all about !
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Small Christian Communities
Gerard Delaney. |
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A need for
starting Small Christian Communities (SCCs) has been felt keenly, all
over the Christian world and particularly in Saligao. This is because
SCCs are the answer to many a problem of the day ! But what are SCCs ?
Another association of the Church like St. Vincent de Paul or Legion of
Mary, with a thrust in a particular area of Christain life ? No ! It is
a basic Church structure which encompasses all of Christian life. We thus have a community of 10 to 15 fmilies who are immediate neighbours. They meet regularly twice a month in homes, getting to know one another intimately, building up a concern for each other, reaching out to others, and basing their lives around the Word of God. SCCs is thus concerned with the integral formation of Christians and should be seen as a 'school of Christianity.' It does not function in isolation, it is not a sect cut off by itself. But it is in communion with the larger body of the Church. With many SCCs in the parish, all linked to the Church and to one another, the Church becomes a Communion of Communities. With a parish made up of hundreds of families, it is not possible for them to get to know one another, and to build up bonds and relationships, with a small group however which meets regularly relationships and bonds come naturally, as they share various aspects of their lives such as : time, ideas friendship, good works, prayer and reflections on scripture Celebrations of births, anniversaries, Cross feasts or any special occasions, all help to strengthen the solidarity of the group. Leadership in an SCC should be of the pastoral type , based on the model set by Jesus Himself, who said "I came to serve and not to be served." Thus the leader must be self-sacrificing and life-giving. We prefer to use the words 'Animator' or 'Facilitator' intead of Leadre. Each SCC will have an animator in charge, assisted with a small team. Their duties will be to see to the regular meetings, to visit the families and to help members in identifying and using their talents, so that every one grows as an individual, according to God's plan for her/him. For SCCs to function successfully, the members must be committed to attend the meetings regularly. It is only through constant interaction with one another, that they will be able to open up and share their problems. The benefits of SCCs will thus be felt only after a good deal of time ! It is also very important that the trust that is bestowed is not betrayed, by revealing outside the group, what is shared at the meetings in confidence. In order to prepare the parishioners for the starting of SCCs, we have been having several awareness programmes in the parish. Last year, the Feast of the anniversary of the parish, together with the 'Triduum', was focussed on this. On Sunday 22nd Nov., at the two Masses in the Church, Fr. Joe based his homilies on this need. He even took the help of some parishioners to act out a role-play, just before the sermon. He stressed on the importnce of brotherliness, co-operation and working together in our parish. That evening also, there was a seminar on SCCs, in the Lourdes Convent hall, for many representatives belonging to the various associations. Fr. Joe repeated his homily in the three Chapels of Saligao, on the following three Sundays. This ensured that his message went out to all the parishioners. From the 29th of Nov. till the 10th of Dec. neighborhood Masses were held in the evenings, in each of the 10 wards of Saligao. Both Fr. Sertorio and Fr. Joe went around celebrating these Mases. These Masses had a dual purpose - to bring the neighborhood together along with the old and the sick as well as being a programme to build the SCCs in the wards of Saligao. Both our Priest went a long way in seeing to the liturgy of these Masses as well as in livening the fellowship after the service. Through a liberal exchange of views instead of the normal sermon, the importance of Small Christian Communities today, as in the early Christian period, was very effectively driven home. The penitential rite and prayers of the faithful were spontaneously carried out. at the time of the sign. of peace, evryone would get up from their places and wish each other. The Spirit of unity was very evident, with different families sponsoring the snacks and helping out in the preparations. Fellowship was cheerful with the sharing of jokes and the singing of Mandos, as Fr. Joe strummed his guitar. In Sonarbhat, Nicholas Sequeira also made the celebrations lively with his guitar and voice ! On Sunday 16th Jan., several people from all the wards were invited to the Church in the evening, to attend a programme. They were shown how the Gospel can be shared in a group, by the seven step method. This gospel sharing is going to paly an integal part in an SCC meeting. It is hoped that the participants will all help in the functioning of SCCs in the Future. From the 18th to the 24th of Jan., prayer services for Christian unity were held in the Church and different Chapels. These occasions were also used to demonstrate to the congregation, the seven-step method. As we celebrate the Jubilee year, let us all resolve to amke the vision of our Archdiocese namely the establishing of SCCs come true. Let us shrug off our inertia and pessimism and make the effort to attend the next meeting of the SCC when it is called forth, and the next, and the next... May our Lady, the Mother of God and patroness of our parish, pray for us that we may be convinced about this undertaking and so take it seriously.
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PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - December 1999.
Ms Cheryl Fernandes |
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At the Parish
Council Meeting held on 15th December, 1999 the opening prayer was made
by Mr. Seby D'Cruz. The reflection by Mr. Gerard Delaney and Mrs.
Clementine Fernandes was postponed for January 2000 meeting. The
Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.
While finalizing
the X'mas programme Fr. Sertorio informed the Council that on 19th
after the 7 o'clock Mass the main door of the church would be closed
and in the following days ie from 20th to 23rd special prayers would be
offered, the themes were : On 22nd a live crib alonwith Carol singers would be moving around Saligao. Ms. Olinda Seqeira and Ms. Emy Sequeira were selected to compere the two day i.e 27th and 28th programme organised by the Parish Council. The programme from each Chapel was to be handed over to Mr. Seby D'Cruz. The service team took up charge of arranging for chairs, stage curtains, light and sound system and Ms. Alice D'Cruz. offered to sponsor the transporation of all these items from Mapusa. The coffee preparation too would be done by service team and serving of the same after midnight Mass would be done by P.P.C. members at 5 different place in the Church compound . Mr. Michael D'Souza was requested to rent out the chairs at the rate 5/- per chair on 27th and 28th. Simultaneously the Saligao Parish Youth Association would be organising a fete and on 27th to 30th December, the day youth would be having their programmes on stage as well. On 30th morning St. Vincent de paul Society and Legion of Mary organisation jointly would arrange for celebration of Mass for the sick and aged at the Parish. Reports received from the Councillors as neighbourhood Masses in the homes of sick or aged in all the wards of Saligao were positive and a green light signal was given for having such celebrations in future. Fr. Sertorio put forth the plan for Christian Unity octave begininning on 18th January 2000 and ending on 25th January 2000. There would be worship before the Exposed Blessed Sacrament. However the days would be divided between the Chapels and the Church. On 19th and 20th at St. Ann Chapel. On 21st and 22nd at St. Cajetan Chapel. On 23rd and 24th at Our Lady of Rosary chapel. On 18th and 25th i.e. the 1st and last day worship would be conducted by the wards of our Lady of Boa Vitoria Chapel at all prayers were ready and passed on to the repective ward representatives. Mr. Gerard Delaney informed the council about the headway in planning the inter-religious meet. The final programme would be given in the next coming meeting scheduled for 15th January. There was a request made by some councillors to conduct Rosary over the mike during procession for the 26th November feast and to find an alternate place to burn crackers rather than the parking area which poses a danger to the parked vehicles. The meeting ended with the Lord's prayer and singing of Silent Night to the sweet strains of Fr. Joe's guitar.
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The After Glow of Christmas Alice D'Cruz |
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The 27th and
28th of December 199 will be remembered as yet another glowing example
of how a community of people can rally together to express a common
sentiment - the joy of Christmas ! The Parish Council alongwith members of the social and cultural cell, organised a two-day bonanza of items to celebrate the spirit of Christmas in Saligao. The programme attracted large crowds of spectators from all over the village, eager to watch the young and old perform on stage. All wards representing St. Cajetans Chapel, the chapel of St. Anne, Rosary Chapel and Boa Victoria presented a variety of cultural programmes including skitis, dances songs and group carols which was a fine display of hidden atlents. Clare, Christine and chloe, the three little sisters hailing from England amazed the crowd with their beautifully synchronized young voices, while Levis kept us spell-bound with his rendition of carols on the violin. Alyeska. Anusha and Alisdaire too displayed their vocal talents. Alexine de Saligao sang in honour of Mother Tereza while the Rosary Chapel group presented the traditional Mando. As there was no element of competition involved, the two day programme was a wonderful example of co-operation and community. The two comperes Mrs Emy siqueira and Mrs. Olinda Sequeira did a commendable Job of ensuring the smooth progression of items which the youth added to the festive spirit with quick rounds of Tambola and of course with food and game stalls. Our Vicar Fr. Sertorio expressed his pleasure at noting that children young and old worked together to make the programme a success. He thanked the organizers as well as the spectators for their encouraging response.
To our M.L.A. and parishioner Dr. Wilfred D'Souza for sponsoring cake and coffe after Midnight Mass.
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Village Roads being Repaired - At Last Saligao Civic and Consumer Cell (SCCC) |
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Many of us are
thrilled that the PWD is giving us a New Year's gift by widening the
roads in Saligao. It is certainly a cause for to celeberate to see
work, long overdue, being done on village roads. Rejoice we must, but for the right reason. Our village roads are NOT being widened or broadened. They are only being repaired. Our roads are only being restored to their original width. The actual repairs being carried out to merely restore the shoulders of the roads that have been damaged and destroyed by road digging over the years. It is true that in recent years, we have got used to living with roads that are narrow. We do not think twice about walking on village roads that are one big death trap. However, if we strain our memories a bit, we will remember that when they were first built, our roads were broad. Then about nine years ago the digging started... First, the PWD dug our roads to lay water pipes. We had cause to be joyful for piped water even when it trickles in at low pressures and for less than an hour. Later, for the last four years Goa Telecom have been digging our roads continuously to lay cables. Telephones made us very happy and still do, whenever they work well. But what about the roads that were dug and left in a mess by both these departments ? We got used to living with them. Some parts are unrepaired by the PWD for the last nine years ! Goa Telecom destroyed the shoulders of many roads and has left them to cause death and destruction for the last four years. A series of recent accidents led villagers to raise the problem at the open monthly meeting of the Saligao Civic and Consumer Cell (SCCC). Delegations from the Cell had meetings with the previous Governor Lt. Gen. JFR Jacob, the Collector of Goa and the Mamlatdar of bardez. Photographs of the various death traps on Saligao's roads were presented to them. The Cell also filed Police compaints against PWD Goa Telecom. SCCC then filled criminal cases against both these departments in a lower Court. After several hearings, Goa Telecom was directed to pay the PWD Rs. 7.10 lakhs for "reinstating the broken shoulders of the CHOGM road". They also had to pay the PWD Rs. 3.40 lakhs for damage done to several other roads inside the village. And that is how, our roads are now being repaired. This is no gift from any Government, Department or individual. Our roads are being repaired because of a lot of hard work done by our own villagers in the Saligao CIVIC and Consumer Cell. There is still plenty to be done for our village - poor power supply, faulty telephones, insufficient water supply and pressure, inedible and irregular ration quotas, garbage problems in the village and on the hill opposite the Seminary, unreliable transport, shop keepers cheating on prices and weights... the list is endless. As a Saligaokar will you help to make our village a better place to live in for ourselves and our children?
Meet the Saligao Civic and Consumer Cell: To communicate, write to :
The Secretary, SCCC, Just your presence can make a big difference !
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WRONG DOERS WILL CERTAINLY COME TO GRIEF P. B. |
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Moral excellence
protects the man who practises and protects it. It is also said that
those who follow the path of goodness, do not come to grief. If in your
heart of hearts, you cherish purity sincerity, truthfulness, compassion
and love, you have rightly built around you a fortress and a strong
fence. You will be protected on all sides from the attack of
misfortunes and calamities. We know you are looking at the people who are prospering in spite of their wrong actions, but this is only a temporary phase. Sooner or later the fruit of their past good actions will fade away and they are bound to suffer punishment for their present bad deeds. Similarly wealth acquired by wrong means does not last long. In the ultimate analysis, such wrong doers come to grief and are rendered penniless.
He that waits upon fortune in never sure of a dinner.
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YOUTH SPACE: by, for and of the Youth A Report On the YOUTH FETE By Zameela Franco |
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Our Saligao
youth believe that, all work and no play makes jack a dull boy and so,
to enable everyone to take a break from all their work and have some
fun, the Saligao Parish Youth Association organised its annual fun fete
during the Christmas week, to be more precise, from the 27th of Dec.
till 30th of December 99. These four days were filled with fun and
frolic and to all you folks, who couldn't make it to the fete, here's a
report. 27th December, time 6 p.m. One could see the Parish Youth in action, giving the final touches to their already put up, food and games stalls. By 6.30 p.m. the the entire place was buzzing with activity. Both the young and old were busy trying their luck in the games stalls. What I observed on that day, or for that matter on all four days was that the people were making a beeline to the food stall and when I personally went there, I came to know why it was so; the ice creams and snacks were just too hard to resist on those days. The wards under the Chapels of O.L. of Roasary and N. Sra-da Boa Vitoria St. Anne & St. Cajetan rendered Christmas carols and a cultural programme on 27th and 28th. The 29th was a special day to all the youth because it was their day, an opportunity to exhibit their talents. The youth of Saligao put up a magnificent performance which was lauded by one and all. 30th Dec. the last day of this fun-fete was the best of all. We had our very own DJs, Michael and Asmi with great music for all of us. Variety of different one minute competitions were also held. Gayle, who was the compere of the show on all four days, did her job well. The fete was a real success and the credit for this goes to all the young and old people in Saligao, who attended the fete, patronised the food and drink stalls, played games, participated in the entertainment programme, and above all to the organizing committee and the members of the SPYA. I have personally seen them working day in and day out inorder to provide good entertainment to both the young and old. The fete did not only provide entertainment to the people, but it saw people of different religion and caste coming together, forgetting all their differences and joining in the fun. Three cheers to the SPYA for its wonderful work and yeah, we all look forward to next year when we can have, yet another fatastic fete.
The foundation stone of the II Phase Extension of Saligao Sporting Club was laid on 1st January, 2000 by its Chief Patron Dr. Wilfred D'Souza. He also unveiled the plaque on the occasion. The second phase will house a modern state-of-art gymnasium and a badminton court. This has been made possible due to a grant of a little over Rs. 9 Lakhs under the local MP Development Fund by Mr. John Fernandes ex. M.P. due to the efforts of Dr. Wilfred D'Souza. Those present on the occasion were Saligao Sarpanch, Mr. Jack Coelho, P.W.D. and Sports officials of Government, architect Mr. Tulio D'Souza and Engineer Mr. Maye. Mr. Joe Fernandes - President |
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SPECIAL THANKS To Donors For The Parish Hall |
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Dr. Wilfred D'Souza, MLA (Cotula).... Rs. 10,000.00 Anonymous (Goletem) Rs. 1,000.00 Col. Mr./MrsEdwin D'Souza (Sequeiravaddo) Rs. 2000.00 Mrs. Celestina Mascarenhas (Donvaddo) Rs. 1000.00 Rev. Fr. Casmiro D'Mello (Sonarbhat) Rs. 500.00 Mr/Mrs. Austin/Yvette da Gamal (Abreovaddo) Rs. 1,000.00 Mrs. Louisa Vaz (in memory of Leslie Vaz).... (Abreovaddo) Rs. 400.00 Ms. Mary Vaz (Donvaddo)... Rs. 500.00 Mr. Thomas Dias (In memory of Xavier Dias (Cotula).... Rs. 500.00 Mr./Mrs. Floriano/Pat Coutinho (Muddavaddo/Bombay) Rs. 1,000.00 Ms. Patsy Coutinho. (Muddavaddo/Bombay) Rs. 1,000.00 Dr. B. J. D'Mello (D'Mellovaddo/U.K.) Rs. 3,000.00 Mr. Faust/Mrs. Doris D'mello & Fly. (Sonarbhat) Rs. 5,000.00 Mr. Lyndon Mendonca (Cotula) Rs. 1,000.00 Mr. Tony/Mrs. Efrem Carneiro (Donvaddo) Rs. 2,000.00 Mr. Assuncao/Mrs. Jessica D'Souza (Sonarbhat) Rs. 3,000.00 Mr. Alex Rodrigues (Muddavaddo) Rs. 500.00 Mrs. Apolina Remedios (Tabravaddo) Rs. 100.00 Mrs. Helen Menezes (Tabravaddo) Rs. 100.00 Mr. Tony Remedios (Tabravaddo) Rs. 1,000.00 Couples for Christ Rs. 500.00
The Total donations received till today = Rs. 3,91,295 Note : Please send your doantion soon if not yet given. The work of the Project of the Hall is already underway. - Committee
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