Reconstitution of Service of Communion Concludes in Diocese of Mangalore
Mangalore: Under the auspices of the Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore, the Mangalore Diocesan Service of Communion (MDSC) has been successfully reconstituted. The reconstitution process, spanning July 19th and 20th, was conducted under the guidance of the National Service of Communion (NSC) and the Karnataka Regional Service of Communion (KRSC).
The reconstitution team was comprised of Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Spiritual Director of KRSC; Mr. Victor John, NSC Coordinator; Mr. Joy Anthony, Resource Person; along with MDSC Spiritual Director Fr. Clifford Fernandes and outgoing Coordinator Mr. Kevan D’Souza. Bishop’s House in Mangalore served as the venue for the program.
The proceedings commenced on July 19th with a Rosary and praise and worship session led by the Mangalore team. Following the introduction and inauguration, Fr. Clifford Fernandes presented a session on “Called and Chosen.” Mr. Victor John subsequently delivered a presentation on “CCR & Leadership in the Church.” An interactive question and answer session with Fr. Clifford and Mr. Victor John followed. The afternoon session included a presentation by Fr. Franklin D’Souza on servant leadership, drawing insights from Acts 8:9-22. Fr. Franklin D’Souza then presided over the Holy Eucharist, joined by Fr. Clifford Fernandes, emphasizing the “Role and Responsibilities of Service Team members,” concerning Mk 10:17-31. The first day concluded with adoration led by Fr. Franklin D’Souza. Bro. Elias Coelho served as the emcee for the day.
The second day, July 20th, began with praise and worship led by the Mangalore team. Mr. Joy Anthony then delivered a presentation on “The Oath: A commitment for 3 years in the mission of the Lord.” Monsignor Very Rev. Fr. Maxim Noronha addressed the attendees and imparted a blessing. Nominees introduced themselves, and voting procedures were conducted. The Discerning Team engaged in discernment, supported by adoration from the participants, resulting in the selection of a new seven-member team by 1:00 PM.
The newly elected team members are: Mr. Dolphy Lobo, Coordinator; Ms. Mercy Celine Menezes, Secretary; Mr. Ronald D’Souza, Ms. Jacinta D’Souza, Mr. Cyprian D’Souza, Ms. Rolma Rachel D’Costa, and Mr. Maurice D’Souza.
Following the lunch break, the Mangalore team led a session of praise and worship. Fr. Clifford Fernandes initiated the process of selecting a Deanery representative to oversee the renewal mission within the deaneries and expressed gratitude to the resource team. Fr. Franklin D’Souza presided over the Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist, joined by Fr. Clifford Fernandes, and led the oath-taking ceremony. The Mass concluded with the laying on of hands for all attendees. Mr. Kevan, the outgoing coordinator, formally transferred the files and key to Mr. Dolphy Lobo and the new team. The program concluded with a tea service.