BIS # 3509 INTRODUCING SCC TO THE KONKANI SPEAKING PARISHIONERS

BIS Mumbai                                  

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3509

 

INTRODUCING SCC TO THE KONKANI SPEAKING PARISHIONERS

 

By:  Rinni D'souza

 

NORTHERN ARABIAN VICARIATE MAY 13, 2013:  On Friday May 10, 2013, five hundred members of the Konkani Community gathered together for a presentation on Small Christian Communities (SCCs). This was the first in a series of faith-related discourses planned by the community in this Year of Faith. With the recent launch of SCCs in our Parish, the community felt the need to empower the community with information on SCCs so that they could join or set-up SCCs in their own neighbourhoods.

 

The presentation began with a reading from the Acts of the Apostles Ch. 2:42 "they were constant in listening to the teaching of the Apostles and in their attendance at the Communion, that is, the Breaking of the Bread, and at prayer". The group were informed that this scripture laid the foundation for Small Christian Communities (SCC); a way for evangelization, a way of life to reach the promised land where Jesus was taken up after his resurrection from the dead.

 

Mr Rudy D'souza, a parishioner, was invited to share his testimony as an active member of SCCs which were started circa 1988 in the Holy Family Church Omzoor, Mangalore. Mr D'souza was an active member of his SCC for sixteen years and had a wealth of information and experiences to share with us. The community is indeed blessed to have Mr D'souza in our midst to guide and mentor us!

 

The community was then introduced to the Lectio Divina – a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer. Through a seven step technique of Bible Study, the community was enlightened as to how SCCs can promote communion with God and the church while increasing the knowledge of God's Living Word.

 

The entire community was deeply touched by this meaningful discourse. Great interest and enthusiasm was expressed in getting suitably trained in the Lectio Divina technique of Bible Study so as to build SCCs in our own buildings and neighbourhoods. There was also a request for a Gospel sharing session at least once a month.