Happenings at Our Lady of Miracles Church, Ratnagiri.

Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2023

As a fallout of the previous meetings of the pastors in Ratnagiri a Legal Seminar was organized at Our Lady of Miracles Church on June 10. The main speaker Advocate Wilson Nathan from Kolhapur refreshed the memories of the congregation on various harassment issues faced by Christians in India. He cautioned the gathering on the ways in which we could be trapped by the legal system of India and he highlighted the Indian laws that protect us. The moment of hope was when he mentioned that God always reaches to His own and rescues them. Wilson has been, through his acquaintances, able to relieve many from their legal burdens. Fathers Day was celebrated on June 18 in the parish. A special liturgy dedicated to the fathers set the mood for thanking the fathers for their contribution in families. Sharing from children and a few fun games filled the atmosphere with gratitude and love towards the fathers. Some of the parish youth participated in the ICYM annual planning meet held at Sawantwadi on June 25. The youth came back with new vigour and a big list of to-do programmes in the parish. Ratnagiri welcomed Fr.

Merwin D’souza, the Province Treasurer on 8 July. His visit lasted a few hours but were filled with inputs on our responsibility in administering efficiently the ministries under our care. We were blessed by the visit of Fr. Roland, the Provincial and the Jesuits from the district on 12 July. Fr. Roland after personal meetings, encouraged the Jesuits in this region to dream for the people of the area and act accordingly. Fr. Roland also blessed the house of Mr. Cyril Fernandes, which is financed by the Goa Jesuits. Mrs. Beena John and Mrs. Cynthia Milagris along with Fr. Allwyn participated in the Safeguarding Seminar organized by St. Paul community at Belagavi on 20 July. They profited immensely from the wisdom of Fr. Dr. Konrad Noronha and learnt ways to create liberative spaces for all in our apostolates. Grandparents & Elderly day was celebrated enthusiastically on 23 July in the parish. Pope Francis’ message to the Grandparents opened the spirits of the congregation on the importance of the old and young in our world. The liturgy was focused in giving a dignified space to the elderly in the parish.

A few videos prepared by the grandchildren and youth of the parish brought tears of joy among the elderly and new lessons for the gathering. This joy was further enhanced through fun games and shared snacks. The youth, with guidance from the PPC, played a leading role during the celebrations.