Diocesanal Level

September 16th 2018 : "Jeevodaya" Diocese of Shimoga organized first meeting of Diocesan Catholic Renewal Services at CHAITANYA, Shivamogga.

Meeting began at 4pm with the introduction. 4:15pm to 5:15pm Fr Franklin D'Souza led the Intercessory prayer. Message shared was "But who do you say I am?" (Mark 8: 27 -35). 40 prayer warriors prayed for various intentions.

At 5:15pm every one introduced themselves. At 5:30pm Bishop Francis Serrao Sj arrived and addressed the prayer group.

In his address he appreciated the role of Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services in the Church. He thanked God for this blessing to the Church. Renewal has played a great role in the lives of the faithful. He said due to this movement people read the Word of God regularly, they Pray and this movement helped the people to forgive one another. Through the power of the Word of God, faith is strengthened and many have transformed their lives. He invited the group to be the missionaries of the Word of God. There is also our responsibility that we shouldn't do injustice to the Word of God. Knowledge of the Word of God is essential. He invited the group to keep in mind four aspects. Ffirstly, listening to the Word of God with open heart. Secondly, Contemplating on the Word of God. Thirdly, place the Word of God in the heart (like Mary and Joseph). Fourthly, our life itself should be the Word of God. Further he enumerated the role of Prayer groups in the Parish and Diocese. We all get connected and become friends in Jesus. That is the source of our strength. Here there is no power or authority but Word of God itself becomes our power. We fight the negativity through our prayers and Lord Jesus Christ grants us Victory.

He encouraged the group saying our charism is from God and it is a gift from God. Diocese needs your help. You should have faith. It is through your faith and Prayer you can bring people to Christ. He explained Mark 2:1-11. It is four people's faith that healed paralytic. We need miracles. Miracles do happen through your faith. He also said that there are two types of breath. One normal breath and second special breath. First one physical breath even animals have it. But for us special breath that God breathed in the breath and gave life. Faith is special breath in us given by God. He blessed the group. He thanked Fr Franklin D'Souza for organizing this program. "Chaitanya" Director Fr Roshan Pinto was present.

Fr. Franklin D'Souza explained about NCCRS & NST, KRCCRS & KST. Then he said we too have constitute Diocesan Service Team and help our people to grow up in charisms. He also said that prayer group persons are not islands but they should be like salt and light in the Parish. He thanked God for this day. He thanked Bishop Francis Serrao Sj for his guidance and encouragement. He also thanked the Director of Chaitanya Fr Roshan Pinto. Meeting came to an end at 6pm. Next meeting is scheduled at YUVAMITRA - Sevasadan (Cathedral campus) on October 21st.