3rd
Regional Convention (Marian Mini Congress) of World Apostolate of Fatima held at
Seva Kendra, Kolkata, on Thursday, 19th May 2016
The
day started early at 6:00 a.m. with Holy Mass for the National Delegates, at
the tomb of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata. This was concelebrated by His Grace, Thomas
D’Souza – Archbishop of Kolkata and also by Bishop Peter Machado, Bishop of
Belgaum and Ecclesiastical Advisor of World Apostolate of Fatima.
Thereafter,
having arrived at Seva Kendra, Kolkata, the
venue for the days Convention, after completing the registration formality and
breakfast, the Inaugural function followed in the Mother Teresa Hall, welcoming
and felicitating the dignitaries with garlands and bouquets and also chandan
(sandalwood paste) tika was applied on all the delegates, starting with the
dignitaries.
Then
followed the lighting of the lamp by Archbishop Thomas, Bishop Peter Machado, Rev.
Fr. S. Santhappan: Raiganj Diocesan Administrator, Rev. Fr. M.V. Sunny (National
Executive Board Chairman – WAF), Rev Fr Panneer Selvam (Secretary of Bengal
Bishops’ Conference), Dr. Celcio Xavier Dias (National Vice-Chairman
& International Secretary – WAF) and Rev. Sister Mary Prema, Superior
General of the Kolkata Headquarters of the
Missionaries of Charity.
Then
the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima was crowned by the Archbishop. The dignitaries
spoke briefly on Our Lady of Fatima. Sr Prema focussed on the devotion to the
Immaculate heart of Mary. Vicar General Rev Fr Domnic Gomes was also present.
Suddenly, there was much needed rain, which gave relief from the sweltering
heat.
Fr.
M. V. Sunny gave a power point presentation on the Message of Fatima and
Apparition narratives. Dr. Celcio Dias then gave a presentation on the
“Forgotten Message” i.e First Saturdays, Consecration and how to celebrate the
Centenary. Mrs Carmeline Vas, National Team member spoke on Divine Mercy.
Then followed a concelebrated High
Mass after midday by the Archbishop and Bishop and a host of other priests. During the Mass the pledge vows were taken by
almost all present with lit candles. The
choir was well organised by youth. After Mass a beautiful special Centenary cake
with the picture of Our Lady of Fatima and the 3 children, was cut by the
Archbishop of Kolkata and the dignitaries joined in. Before leaving the hall for lunch, each
delegate was presented with a Rosary and Brown Scapular. 170 attended including
9 Priests
Around 3:00 p.m. after lunch, all the
World Apostolate of Fatima Members from 3 Dioceses from West Bengal Region with
the National Team again assembled in the hall to meet and form the Regional
Body which was conducted through elections. The other most important point was how
to celebrate the Centenary Celebrations.
It was decided to support the traditional Bandel celebrations on Sunday,
5 Feb 2017. This meeting was chaired by Rev. Fr. Henry Saldanha – Spiritual
Advisor (WAF-Kolkata).
SPIRITUAL FRUITS:
1.
Calcutta Archdiocesan Unit revived under Fr Henry Saldanha and
Archbishop Thomas’ encouragement. Elections held (19 April 2016) President:
Shelton Pyster, Vice President: Mrs. Glynis Vincent, Secretary: Mr. James
Lingam, Treasurer: Mr. Amitabho Banerjee. Focus will be on the pleas of Our
Lady of Fatima: First Saturdays Reparation, Consecration, Rosary meditation in
Church, Reparatory Adoration, Pilgrim Virgin Statue Visitations, etc
2. West
Bengal Regional Committee (19 May 2016) formed from 3 Dioceses.
Website was inaugurated by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza
www.wafbengal.org
3.
The
West Bengal Regional Centenary celebrations will be launched at Raiganj on Mon,
20Th Feb 2017, Feasts of Blesseds Francisco and Jacinta.
4. Visit to Fatima by some WAF
Ex Com members.
5. Relic of
Blessed Francisco and Jacinta, for healing and driving away evil spirits handed
over to Archbishop.
6.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta’s Missionaries of Charity Mother house
invited WAF Calcutta for Inaugural Mass at Mother’s tomb on 4th June
2016, First Saturday and Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to begin the
First Saturdays Reparation. This will be a regular practice every First Saturday.
WAF Calcutta under Mr. Shelton Pyster, Mrs. Glynis Vincent, Mr. James Lingam, Mr. Amitabho Banerjee all under Fr Henry Saldanha and many especially Legion of Mary members excelled as hosts.
WAF Calcutta under Mr. Shelton Pyster, Mrs. Glynis Vincent, Mr. James Lingam, Mr. Amitabho Banerjee all under Fr Henry Saldanha and many especially Legion of Mary members excelled as hosts.
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| Rev Fr Rosario Strocio aged 95 |
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Archbishop Emeritus Henry D'Souza our Ex National WAF President aged 90 |
