8th Meet: 21 Nov 2012

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World Apostolate of Fatima National Center Holds

8^th Indian National Council Meet

By Francis S. Barreto, Chairman Goa Archdiocesan unit/ Indian National Center

The 8^th National Council of the World Apostolate of Fatima was held from 20^th - 22^nd Nov. 2012 at Caritas Holiday Home, St. Inez Panjim Goa with a record attendance of 24 delegates coming from 14 dioceses of India such as Belgaum, Ahmadabad, Baroda, Bombay, Kolkata, Gandhinagar, Karwar, Raiganj, Nellore, Jagdalpur, Krishnagar, Gulbarga, New Delhi and Goa. Delegates from Pune and Sindhudurg were booked but did not show up with last minute cancellation. 23 priests including His Excellency Peter Machado, Bishop of Belgaum attended. In addition to the delegates there were also almost a dozen observers from Raiganj, Baroda and Mumbai.

Delegates of the 8th Indian National Council World Apostolate of Fatima Meet 21 Nov 2012

Most of the delegates reached at Caritas on 20^th evening. The Executive Board of Trustees held its meeting the same evening attended by the outgoing Chairman Fr. Godfrey Fernandes, Vice Chairman Fr. Britto D’Silva, Secretary Mr. Anthony Viegas and Treasurer Mr. Francis S. Barreto. Some observers including Dr. Celcio Dias were also present. Later all the delegates, observers and the National Center Executive Committee met over dinner.

Official National delegates with Bishop Peter Machado National Ecclestical Advisor

On the 21^st the day began with breakfast at 7.30 am and the meeting began with a hymn to Our Lady at 8.10 am. Glorious mysteries were then recited led by Mrs. Celina Caldeira which ended with the singing of “Salve Regina”. Prayer for canonization of Blesseds Francisco and Jacinta and beatification of Servant of God Lucia was then led by Sacramenta D’mello.

The choir consisted of Solano and Cheryl Cardoz, Deolinda Fernandes, Sylvia Monteiro, Tanya Rebeiro and was led by Euthemia Fernandes. The choir then sang the international WAF hymn to Our Lady of Fatima.

Chairman Mr. Francis S, Barreto then introduced all the delegates and the Bishop of Belgaum Most Rev. Peter Machado and were all welcomed with bouquets of flowers. Mr. Barreto in his introductory words extended a warm welcome to the over 150 people gathered on the occasion. He reminded the delegates in a special way that this was the 8^th meeting of the National Council and that it was necessary to reflect on how much we had achieved with the previous 7 council meets.

His Excellency Bishop Peter Machado of Belgaum, the Ecclesiastical Advisor to the Apostolate, appointed by the CCBI then addressed the gathering. He pointed out that the word ‘Apostolate’ comes from the word ‘apostle’ and talked about how the World Apostolate of Fatima is historic as the events took place when World War and Communism were spreading in Europe. He summarized the Message of Fatima in five points (1) Conversion of each one of us. (2) Penance. He described penance as depriving oneself of something to obtain something more. (3) Prayer especially rosary recited meaningfully. Rosary is lay person’s breviary. (4) Message of Fatima is for peace and mercy of God. (5) As apostles we have to continue to give the good news to others always finding new ways. The air filled with the song “Mother of Mine”

It was the turn of Dr. Celcio Dias the Coordinator to brief the gathering on the happenings at the National Center from 1997 to now.

Chairman Mr. Francis S. Barreto then took up the Message of Fatima starting with the beginning of the world and ending with the present pontificate.

It was time for tea and the break was utilized by the gathering and especially the delegates in purchasing books that were made available on various subjects related to the Apostolate. The Secretaries of Mr. Francis S. Barreto, Mrs. Vinny Costa and Miss Sushma S. Parwar ably took charge of the bookshop.

After the tea break the choir beautifully sang in voices “Pav Maie”, after which Vice Chairman Mr. Anthony Viegas spoke on the devotion of the Five First Saturdays which was followed by a talk on the pledge and this was delivered by Secretary Mr. Julius Fernandes.

Dr. Celcio Dias then took up the subject of recent changes that were necessary to the National Statutes. He also briefed the gathering on the Pilgrim Virgin Statue which is available in our National Center and can be taken to any diocese with the request from the Bishop. Guidelines and conditions for this arrangement are available with the National Center on request.

Rev. Fr. Conceicao D’Silva Spiritual Advisor of World Apostolate of Fatima Goa Archdiocesan Unit then spoke in his usual fiery style on Our Lady in our life. He gave testimony how Our Lady and the Rosary has played a major role in his own life.

Rev. Fr. Peter da Gama parish priest of Oxel and the Dean of Siolim then spoke on Blessed Joseph Vaz. He outlined the life of Blessed Joseph Vaz from birth to his death and beatification.

Selected World Apostolate of Fatima members and benefactors were awarded special certificate of Love and Appreciation at the hands of His Excellency Bishop Peter Machado. 

Before dispersing for lunch Jerome D’Souza led the Angelus and His Excellency Bishop Peter Machado blessed the food which was taken by all in a spirit of fellowship.

The singing continued during lunch break as the choir kept everyone in good spirit instead of dosing off to sleep.

After lunch a workshop was conducted among the delegates, discussing and interacting about starting WAF Units and First Saturdays Devotion in their respective parishes/dioceses.

At 3^o Clock, Chaplet of Divine Mercy was led by Euthemia Fernandes

Next was the election to the National Council. Fr. M.V. Sunny of Raiganj was elected the Chairman and Fr, Calistus Fernandes of Bombay the Vice Chairman. Mr. Anthony Viegas of Goa was elected as the Secretary and Fr. Alfie D’Silva of Karwar as the Treasurer.

Fr M . V. Sunny Raiganj Chairman, Fr.Calistus Fernandes Bombay Vice Chairman, Mr. Anthony Viegas Goa  Secretary and Fr Alphy D' Silva Karwar Treasurer

The choir then sang the beautiful hymn “Fatima Farewell” just before tea break.

After the tea break the newly elected office bearers had an opportunity to speak up their mind which they did. All have promised great things in their respective dioceses and we will be awaiting their reports. The reparatory adoration was conducted by the Don Bosco youth group using the Church approved theme; children and youth of the Eucharist (http://children-of-the-eucharist.blogspot.in/)

Con-celebrated Holy Mass then followed with Bishop Peter Machado as the main celebrant.   

The day ended with dinner for all the delegates which was attended by the Executive Committee of World Apostolate of Fatima National Center and Bishop Peter Machado.

The next day the celebration of Mass was at 7.00 am and was followed by breakfast at 7.30 am. All the delegates accompanied by Chairman Mr. Francis S. Barreto, Coordinator Dr. Celcio Dias and Vice Chairman Mr. Anthony R. Viegas boarded the bus for Old Goa where after visiting Se Cathedral and Bom Jesus Basilica (where the Relics of St Francis Xavier are preserved) the delegates were divided into two batches to see the Light and Sound show depicting the life of Jesus, Blessed Joseph Vaz and St. Francis Xavier. The delegates sincerely appreciated this show that is unique to Goa.   

Goa/ Indian National Center ExCom with Bishop Peter Machado National Ecclestical Advisor and Fr Conceicao D' Silva, Spiritual Advisor Goa Unit