Various Reports by Fr. Xavier James

Report on Village Officer’s seminar (Talati) at Pethapur

After repeated emails, hard copies, phone calls 29 youth had come to Pethapur on 24^th September 2015 to attend the preparatory classes for Village Officers’ examination. The Archdiocesan Youth Ministry of Gandhinagar with the support of Mr. Rajulbhai Azad had organized this seminar which motivated and prepared the youth for a better career in getting into the main stream by obtaining government jobs. The seminar lasted for four days from 24^th to 27^th September 2015. The resource persons were Mr. Pravinbhai Thakkar for English, Mr. Nirmal Vora for Constitution of India, Mr. Kailas for Maths and Reasoning, Mr. Hitesh for Gujarati. The class would begin at 8 am and would end at 10 pm with a lunch, supper break in between. The youth were very enthusiastic to attend and grasp the knowledge since it was to do with their life and future. The Youth were very grateful to Archbishop and Fathers for their comfortable stay and food arrangements at Jeevan Vikas Kendra. Mr. Rajul sir and Fr. Xavier James accompanied the youth throughout the programme.

Mission Sunday celebrations in Siddhpur parish

On world Mission Sunday at 9 am, the parish joined the whole world in praying the Holy Rosary for peace in the world which was led by the children of the parish. This was followed by the Holy Eucharist which was presided over by Fr. Xavier James who in the homily insisted on the mission of the lay faithful. Each parishioner shared about his/her views on what they understood by the term ‘mission’ which enhanced the Mission Sunday celebration. Some felt that to them that mission meant proclamation of the Good News which has been done by the Church down the centuries and the Church is alive till today due to evangelical works. Some commented that Church means the community and not the building and we in Siddhpur parish live that reality. Others felt that mission is to love, which was the ultimate command of Jesus our Master. We need to reach out in mercy, humility and freedom even beyond our Christendom. Someone shared that priests and sisters are the missionaries who went to North India to spread the Good News and we need to help the cause and today she really witnesses the sacrifice she made as a young woman very much born much fruit. Now she is in a place to continue to make known the presence of Jesus. Some felt that saving and giving their mite in order to reach out to the poor and needy human beings. After the intercession the priest himself went about for collection and good amount from 14 member community was gathered. After the Eucharist all shared the Agape prepared and brought from different homes together. (Xavier James) 

Nourished by Christ, to Nourish others

In commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the 38^th International Eucharistic Congress in Mumbai, the Church in India organized a four-day National Eucharistic Congress in Mumbai from 12-15 November 2015. Five cardinals including the Papal Legate from Srilanka, 77 bishops and archbishops, 1500 delegates across the country including participants from Mumbai and 250 priest delegates participated in it.

From our Archdiocese, we had six representatives who participated and witnessed this beautiful event, namely, His Grace Archbishop Thomas Macwan, His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Stanislaus Fernandes, Fr. Xavier James, Sr. Pushpa Mohan, Mr. Ketan Macwan and Ms. Rashmika Suvera.  It was truly a wonderful experience for every participant.  The input sessions regarding the Eucharist and how it related to our lives were very apt. The witnesses who shared their faith experiences of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist brought tears in every eye. All the participants had enough opportunity to participate in the Eucharist in all three rites of India, Eucharistic adoration, benediction, holy hour, procession etc. The pilgrimage to Our Lady’s shrine at Utan, outskirts of Bombay brought forth a spiritual experience to the participants. Being nourished by the Eucharist, the participants returned to the Archdiocese to nourish others.

Deanery Youth Retreat

Fr. Shankar and Sr. Manjula joined hands with Fr. Robert in organizing the Deanery Youth Retreat at Radhanpur for youth from Patan, Palanpur and Radhanpur parishes. A group of youth from Unai Parish came to preach at the retreat from 26-28 November 2015.  The preaching was based on the Word of God and it led the youth to share and witness each other’s life experiences. The youth participated and enjoyed a few action songs. Fr. Xavier James the Youth Director celebrated the Holy Eucharist and preached on the Mercy of God. The youth also participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On the last day Fr. Hemant Macwan, the Dean celebrated the Holy Eucharist and thus the spiritual experience was a unique one for the 30 youth members of the deanery.

Christ the King Feast in Siddhpur Parish

On 22^nd November 2015, the solemn feast of Christ the King was celebrated at Umru-Siddhpur. For the first time there was a solemn adoration and procession of the Eucharistic Lord in the campus. It was a joyful experience as the faithful gathered for the adoration, procession, benediction and Holy Eucharist. Fr. Xavier James shared with the people his experience at the National Eucharistic Congress at Mumbai after the mass. This added to the meaningfulness of the celebration.