MINUTES: 8th National 21 Nov 2012


Minutes of the 8TH INDIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL MEET AT CARITAS, panaji, goa

0.0              The 8th National Council of the World Apostolate of Fatima was held at Caritas Panjim on the 21st November 2012 (Wed) presided over by the WAF Indian National Ecclesiastical Advisor Most Rev. Peter Machado bishop of Belgaum. 24 delegates, 9 observers, including 17 priests from 14 dioceses and 77 local WAF members attended. Many out station members arrived on 20th.  


1.0              The meeting began at 8 am with the hymn: Oh, Come to the Throne… Mrs. Celina Caldeira led the Glorious mysteries of the Rosary followed by the hymn: Salve Regina, Prayers for the Canonization of Blessed Francisco, Blessed  Jacinta and for the beatification of the Servant of God Lucia, by Sacramenta D’Mello. This was followed by the WAF international hymn to Our Lady of Fatima. Mr. Francis Barreto, Chairman of the National Center [WAF-Goa] and outgoing National Executive Board Treasurer opened the meeting with an address of welcome and introduction. Bishop Peter Machado and Priest delegates were all welcomed with flowers.

2.0              In his address, Bishop Peter Machado mentioned, “as Apostles of the Apostolate, we must go and spread the Gospel through the Message of Fatima. The WAF is historic, since in the year 1917, when the world was engulfed in communism, Our Lady appeared to the little children. Our Lady’s message was: - 1) Continual conversion. 2) Penance: many have a negative meaning of life, since they want to enjoy. The message says that each one of us must convert first, not great leaders first. The meaning of penance is to deprive oneself of something to get something more. We surrender ourselves to make place for other greater things. The best way do this is through the Five First Saturdays. Sacraments are signs and symbols of getting grace. 3) Prayer: especially the Rosary meaningfully, these are connected prayers to Our Lord. They contain mysteries of Our Lord in the life of Mary. Mary goes on pilgrimage in the life of Jesus. Rosary is the lay person’s Breviary. 4) The message of Fatima: is for peace and mercy. 5) As apostles of the Apostolate, we must give this good news to others. Faith is measured in our sharing with others, especially in this year of the New Evangelization. A small note of caution: “I am most unworthy for this post, I have been appointed by the CCBI, as Ecclesiastical Advisor, and so my role is to supervise and advise.” Mary is not above the Church, but within the Church. As Lumen Gentium mentions: Mary is within the Church, not above the Most Holy Trinity. Giving Mary undue honour and glory is giving the Most Holy Trinity dishonour. Mary is the servant of the Lord which means humble to the Church. Mary is the woman of Faith to guide us and bring the family to where the mother is. 



3.0              This was followed by the hymn: Mother of mine. Dr. Celcio Dias, Coordinator of the Indian National Centre, President of the Asian Region and International Secretary then spoke about the “National Centre Report”. The Chairman Francis Barreto delivered an important talk on the “Message of Fatima”. After the tea break the hymn: Ave Maria, Gratia Plena was sung. Mr. Anthony Viegas, Vice Chairman of the National Center and outgoing National Executive Board Secretary spoke on the “First Saturdays”. Mr. Julius Fernandes, Secretary of the National Center then spoke on “the Pledge”, followed by the hymn: Holy Virgin, by God’s Decree. The Indian National Statutes main points and changes were read out and comments or clarifications were called for by Dr Celcio. These Statues were first approved by our National Council on 3rd May 2000, reviewed on 15th May 2005, 20th September 2009 and now revised due to confirmation of the WAF as a Public International Association of the faithful by the Holy See and definitive approval of its International Statutes on 7th Oct 2010. This was later approved by the delegates who signed before the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima.


4.0              Dr Celcio spoke on the “National Pilgrim Virgin Statue (of our Lady of Fatima) Program” mentioning that Pune and Belgaum dioceses have availed this. This is the best WAF program to revive Faith  in this year of the New Evangelization through the message of Our Lady of Fatima and get new WAF members. Fr M V Sunny, Bishop’s Secretary and Treasurer of Raiganj diocese informed that on 13th May 1967, the 50th anniversary of the Fatima Apparitions, Pope Paul VI blessed 25 National Pilgrim Virgin Statues of Our Lady of Fatima to be presented to individual countries around the world. The Statute allotted to India, was brought to Calcutta. Later it was sent to Krishnagar through Sr Elisa SCCG, a very holy nun (we must strive for her beatification). In the year 2007, Sr Elisa brought the statue to Raiganj diocese which is now on fire to the message of Our Lady of Fatima due to committed priests and laity.  This was followed by the hymn: Immaculate Mary.  Fr. Conceicao D’Silva - Spiritual Advisor of the WAF Goa unit then spoke on “Our Lady in our life” which was acclaimed often by the members due to his fervent and ardent devotion in Our Lady’s devotion.

5.0               Fr. Peter da Gama - Parish Priest Oxel, Siolim then spoke on “Blessed Joseph Vaz’. The Angelus was led by Jerome. This was followed by the awards ceremony; Bishop Peter handed over “Certificates of Love and admiration” to many sponsors and donors and then prayed grace before meals for lunch, followed by his blessing.  During the  lunch break Solano and Cheryl Cardozo entertained the gathering with their lovely singing. The choir was ably led by Eutemia Fernandes on the guitar, with Tanya on the keyboard, and vocals by Deolinda Fernandes, Solano and Cheryl Cardozo, Anthony Viegas and Silvia Monteiro. Fr Calistus Fernandes also sang a well appreciated Marathi song to Our Lady of Fatima.


6.0              Soon after lunch, the hymn: Hail Mary Gentle Woman was sung followed by Workshop/Interaction about starting WAF/First Saturdays in Parish/ Diocese. Fr Alphy D’Silva, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Molkod Honavar, Karwar diocese informed that the statue of Our lady was a gift by the Patriarch of Goa,  Deo T. M. R. V. de Castro in the year 1934. The parcel box was pending clearance at customs. Incidentally, a Muslim Officer who had a chronic illness got miraculously cured on touching this box. The box was opened and allowed to be taken to the Church where it was installed on 13th Jan 1936, and soon became the Marian Pilgrimage Centre. Till this day the annual feast is celebrated. On 11 Jan 2013,  Rt Rev Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Karwar, will be launching the World Apostolate of Fatima in the Diocese along with the Ecclesiastical Advisor Most Rev. Peter Machado bishop of Belgaum. This will be the Fatima centre for the diocese. Fr Alphy extended an open invitation to all for the inauguration.

8.0               Fr Calistus parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church,Karjat Bombay Archdiocese mentioned that his Shrine is having the oldest statue in Asia. He distributed book marks on the 5 fold plan: - 1.Consecration of the Family 2.Daily Rosary and Sunday Eucharist 3. Sacrament of Penance to remain in continual grace 4. Offer sacrifice of daily duty by reaching to the needy 5. And to fulfill the obligation to know the faith by reading the Bible and studying the Vatican II documents and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Fr Godfrey mentioned that they hosted the National Meet in 2006,  but the devotion has not yet spread in the diocese. James said that he could teach people to make rosaries cheaply, while Mrs. Lucy would use her contacts in spreading the devotion. The chaplet of The Divine Mercy was led by Eutemia Fernandes and hymn: I will sing of the Mercies of the Lord.


 Dr. Celcio conducted elections to the Indian National Executive Board of Trustees pursuant to the Statutes.  Nominations were called thrice and public voting was preferred over secret ballot.

The following members were  elected:-

National Executive Board Chairman: Fr M V Sunny, Raiganj diocese, nominated by Mr. Anthony R V Viegas, accepted with initial reluctance, seconded by Mr. James Lingam and unanimously approved by the remaining delegates.

National Executive Board Vice Chairman: Fr Calistus Fernandes, Bombay Archdiocese, nominated by Fr. Godfrey E Fernandes, accepted with initial reluctance, seconded by Fr Philipkutty Joseph and unanimously approved by the remaining delegates.

National Executive Board Secretary: Mr. Anthony R V Viegas of Goa, nominated by Mr. Victor Mascarenhas, accepted willingly, seconded by Fr. Godfrey E Fernandes and unanimously approved by the remaining delegates.

National Executive Board Treasurer: Fr Alphy D’Silva of Karwar, nominated by Mr. Anthony R V Viegas, accepted willingly, seconded by Mr. James Lingam unanimously approved by the remaining delegates.
The newly elected office bearers spoke briefly declaring their intent to work zealously to spread the Message of Fatima. The Fatima farewell hymn was sung and photographs taken.


The high point was the One World Praying Children-and-Youth-of-the-Eucharist-Reparatory-Adoration conducted by the youth group of Don Bosco’s oratory Panaji, animated by Ruben and Marissa. They also joined the choir along with their instruments in the singing. This was followed by the Holy Eucharistic Celebration main celebrant of which was Most Rev. Peter Machado, concelebrated by the 17 Priests. Bishop Peter congratulated the newly office bearers and asked all to be apostles to spread the good news. Mr. Anthony Viegas thanked all those concerned. After Mass, Bishop blessed the articles and went around sprinkling Holy water. The Holy Relic of Blessed Francisco and Jacinta were kept for veneration. Another photo session followed. 


On the next day, on 22nd November 2012 (Thur), delegates proceeded to Old Goa, Bom Jesus Basilica, to venerate the remains of St. Francis Xavier, they  also witnessed the “Sound and light Museum” on Jesus, St. Francis Xavier and Bd. Joseph Vaz and also visited the Se Cathedral. Many left thereafter. 



Prepared by ___________________

(Mr. Anthony R V Viegas)
National Executive Board Secretary


Approved by___________________

(Rev. Fr. M V Sunny)
National Executive Board Chairman



Approved by __________________
(Fr Calistus Fernandes)
 National Executive Board Vice Chairman



Approved by _______________
(Fr Alphy D’Silva)
National Executive Board  Treasurer



Seen by:                     

(Mr. Francis Barreto)                                                (Dr. Celcio Dias)
                  Chairman National Center                                         Co-coordinator National Centre
                                                                 President Asian Region
                                                                 Secretary International




Minutes and elected Indian National Executive Board of Trustees confirmed and approved by                    
                               
 

                                                 

                                                  (+ Bishop Peter Machado)

                            Bishop of Belgaum and Ecclesiastical Advisor of the WAF 

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