Udupi: Missionary Children Association members hold one day Seminar at Saud Bhavan Shirva

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Shirva, 12 April 2016: A large number of members of Missionary Children Association (Formerly known as Infant Jesus association) from class 4th to 9th of Shirva Ward hold a one day Seminar at Saud Bhavan Shirva on Monday the 11th April 2016. In total 520 enthusiastic Children participated from nine parishes of Shirva Ward namely Palimar 26, Kalatur 17, Mukamar 26, Belman 70, Shirva 149, Pangla 78, Pamboor 42, Pernal 46 and Mudharangadi 68.

 

The Bishop of Udupi Diocese HE Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo inaugurated the seminar by lighting the lamp along with Rev. Fr. Vincent Crasta  (Director; MCA Udupi Diocese), Rev. Fr. Lawrence D’Souza (Director; MCA Shirva Ward), Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro (Parish Priest Shirva Parish), Rev. Fr. Francis Cornelio (Parish Priest (Kalatur), Rev. Fr. Victor (Parish Priest Mukamar), Ms. Simi D’Souza (President Shirva Ward) and Wilson D’Souza (Vice President, Parish Council Shirva).

 

Fr. Vincent Crasta accorded a hearty welcome to the gathering and praised and thanked all committee members who took time and effort to organize the seminar sacrificing their valuable family time for the sake of little children.

 

Fr. Lawrence D’Souza in his address to the children stressed on importance of helping each other when in need and also taking care of their friends when need arises. He said their mission is “ Child Helping Child” and nothing else.

 

Fr. Stany Tauro also spoke on the occasion and he said that the kids are like “ Tare Zamin Per” meaning Children are stars on the land and advised them to be role model to others and be a great missionary in your each parish and in your surroundings. He also thanked each and every one who contributed their time and efforts to organize the seminar. Hats off and great job.

 

 

Bishop while speaking as a representative of Pope who heads directly this important association stressed how important it is to take care of little children. First of all he was very happy to see a large number of enthusiastic children attending the seminar. He was also happy to see all the committee members of this Ayog (association) and well organized and grateful to them. He said there are only four Ayog or Associations directly work under the Pope i.e.1) Spreading the Faith, 2) Missionary Children Association 3) St. Peter Apostolate and St. Peter and St. Paul association. He further said that since Missionary of Children Association (MCA) is supervised directly by Pope he has set a goal and i.e. to see that this organization is created in every Parish of the World. All children from grade 4th to 10th must become members of this association. The goal is to develop the spirit of missionary in every child’s heart. There are only 76 priests in Udupi Diocese for the 1 lakh faithful and priests cannot reach every one and hence he counting on each associations/organizations including little Children’s association to reach out everyone  and spread the gospel and teachings of Jesus under their capacity.

 

Various type of trainings were held in the afternoon session especially how to reach their goal, learn to do their personal prayers and in total 13 steps were given to the children to work on their Mission. Four specialized and trained children from Nakre Parish attended the seminar and gave a few tips to the young children to work in this special mission of children.

 

The seminar concluded with a prayer/hymn at 4pm. The stage program was wonderfully conducted by Ms. Ida Cornelio from Pangla Parish.