Faith in Action: 187 Attend Adult Catechesis on Liturgy/Sacraments at Vijayadka Parish, Mangalore

MANGALORE, VIJAYADKA – June 28: In an effort to deepen spiritual understanding and encourage active participation in church services, 187 parishioners gathered for an Adult Catechesis on Liturgy and Sacraments, with a special focus on the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

The comprehensive training session was organized by the Commission for Faith Formation and Liturgy. The event was held under the guidance of the Diocesan Liturgical and Faith Formation Commission, led locally by Parish Priest Fr. Naveen Dsouza and the Parish Commission.

Fr. Vijay Machado, the Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation, served as the primary resource person for the day, guiding the attendees through the theological and practical aspects of the liturgy.

The interactive program combined direct instruction with hands-on workshops, covering three vital areas of church life:

• Liturgy and Sacraments: An introduction to the foundational signs and symbols used in the church, decoding their historical and spiritual significance.
• Liturgical Music: A specialized catechesis directed at choir members to align their musical service with the solemnity of the liturgy.
• The New Konkani Missal: A detailed breakdown of recent textual changes and their practical implications for the congregation.

The combination of workshops and open interactions allowed parishioners to ask questions and engage deeply with the material.

Participant Experience

Feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many noted that the workshops helped them grasp the true meaning of "active participation" in the Eucharist, moving beyond mere attendance. Participants also expressed a newfound appreciation for the signs, symbols, and deeper meanings behind routine liturgical celebrations.

Report by Fr Vijay Machado