INSIGHT - Know thy Faith - Seminar on Faith

By Fr. Steve Pereira OCD
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 31 Jan 2013: YU4C - Youth United for Christ, Mangalore the youth wing of the National Catholic Charismatic Renewal in India organized a 2 day Seminar on Faith called ‘INSIGHT’ held at Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangalore.

 
The Seminar was Inaugurated by Rev Fr. Archibald Gonsalves OCD, Provincial Superior of the Carmelties, Fr. Nelson Pinto, OCD - Spiritual Guide for YU4C India, Fr. Stephen Pereira, OCD - Spiritual Guide for YU4C Mangalore, Ivan Lobo - Chairman of the MST, Roshan Goveas - Coordinator of the YU4C Mangalore.

 

 
The aim was to make clear certain topics on Faith such as the ‘I believe’ which was introduced by Fr. Ozwald Mascarenhas SJ. He left the participants with an amazing number of questions, if worked on will lead to knowing oneself and then believing in God. Fr. Rathan Almeida, OCD, research scholar in Christology from Austria, introduced us to the topics ‘Jesus the only Saviour of the world’ and ‘Holy Eucharist’. He gave the right understanding and the approach to the topic clearing many doubts and grey areas.  Fr. J.B. Saldanhna, Professor of the Chair in Christianity at the Mangalore University introduced Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of the Church as well as shed light on the Rosary and it being Christ-centric. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues OCD’s topic was Holy Orders and drew a very positive and constructive feedback on the matter. Aaron and Rochelle Pinto shared the importance for marriage preparations, having the right focus and need to find a God fearing partner. Ivan Lobo, Chairman of the Mangalore Catholic Charismatic Service team answered doubts on icon and statues as well as questions on marriage which was much appreciated.

 
The 2 day seminar ended with Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Stephen Periera and concelebrated by Fr. Nelson Pinto and Fr. Deep Fernandes from the Infant Jesus Shrine. The Youth United for Christ put in a good effort and all their hard work has paid rich dividends.

 
Feedback from some of the Participants:

 “My doubts were cleared and the experience shared on the sacrament of Marriage was much appreciated,” said Athish Prabhu.
Sharin Prabhu speaking said, “The sessions were informative and I was very much enlightened by the talks.  I also gained a lot of knowledge through various topics like priesthood. It was a nice experience on how to go about & face challenges in life.”
David Menezes expressed his gratitude saying, “I came to know about this seminar through the poster on the notice board at Pompei Church. The session for 2 days was really very good. Thank you God and for your group as well for arranging it. In this session we were able to talk openly without any hesitation that reduces the gap between us and the church. The topics were also well chosen. I got answers for many of my questions. It would be great if your group can conduct more sessions like these. Thank you once again. I won’t forget these 2 days in my life.”

“Good presentation, all major areas were covered. The question answer time was a very good idea and helpful in every session.  Session on idols and images was good and to the point. Thank you YU4C,” Mistu Pinto, a Dental student said.