Fr. Robert John Kennedy of Kottar diocese visits Gujarat during the Silver Jubilee of the friendship with Fr. Xavier James. It was a wonderful time to eat, pray and recreate together after many years. Praise the Lord forever.

Archdiocesan Youth Seminar in January 2015

Report on Archdiocesan Youth Seminar in January 2015

The Archdiocesan follow-up seminar for the Youth was held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, Pethapur, Gandhinagar on 24^th and 25^th January 2015. The youth were welcomed by Fr. Xavier James and soon after Fr. Das and Salvador led the youngsters to play a few games in order to get familiarized with each other. A talent show was then conducted in which several competitions were held and judged such as solo singing, group singing, solo dance and instrumental. Thereafter Fr. Louis Lopes who is a Charismatic preacher helped the youth to understand the Catholic faith and to receive inner healing from all bondages.

The following day Fr. Louis Lopes celebrated the Holy Eucharist with six other priests concelebrating along with him.  The youth thoroughly enjoyed the Sunday Eucharist. Mr. Francis Canis who is the mentor in career guidance motivated the Youth to be prepared to excel in life. His Grace Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes paid the youth a visit and requested them to share their experiences about the seminar to which some stood up and shared their views on how the seminar helped them in boosting their self confidence.  The Archbishop distributed the prizes of the cultural competitions which were held the previous day and after the blessings from Archbishop, everyone had a delicious lunch and left for their respective homes.

Siddhpur parish activities in January 2015

Blessing of St. Xavier’s School building, Marriage and Confirmation at Siddhpur

On 12^th January 2015, His Grace Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes blessed the new building for St. Xavier’s School at Umru-Siddhpur in the presence of 20 priests, religious sisters, faithful and well wishers of this new mission parish. His Grace Archbishop also confirmed two candidates to Faith with the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Archbishop also blessed the Sacrament of Matrimony of Philips and Krupa Fernandes. After felicitating the priests who were present, Eucharistic adoration was held to mark the concluding the year of the Eucharist and procession was held to the new chapel which will be the school library. After that everyone participated in the agape and departed to their respective places. We, the parishioners of Siddhpur are grateful for all those who were present and of course we felt we were blessed. (Xavier James)

Malayalam Retreat in Siddhpur Parish

It was after a couple of days of the blessing of St. Xavier’s School building at Umru, a retreat was organized for the Malayalam speaking Catholics of Siddhpur and Palanpur parishes. About 25 Catholics participated in it. Fr. Maria Mentil of Our Lady of Mercy congregation, Cochin had come over to preach and encourage our Catholics through faith filled sermons. Mr. Thomas from USA who is the relative of Shaji of Siddhpur, had also preached with conviction and inspired the people for authentic Catholic life. Then Fr. Maria Mentil had led the Eucharistic adoration and confessions which was very much consoling. Thereafter Fr. Maria Mentil celebrated the Eucharist and was concelebrated by Fr. Xavier James. After the blessing by His Grace Archbishop, this was the first Eucharist celebrated in the newly built ‘Church’ in Siddhpur. People were filled with joy and comfort after the retreat. Glory be to the Lord. (02^nd February 2015)

During the Western Region Youth Directors' meeting met some friends in Goa. It was a joy meeting them all.