Missionary Families of Christ (Singles) Goa Unit Conduct Spiritual Camp for Children in Gujarat

Relva, Gujarat, May 28, 2025: From May 11 to May 15, 2025, seven young adults from the Missionary Families of Christ (MFC) Singles Goa unit conducted a five-day faith-based camp for 70 tribal children from the parishes of Relva, Dediyapada, Sagbara, and Umarpada. The event was held at the parish school in Relva, Gujarat, with the purpose of nurturing the spiritual growth of the children through engaging sessions, prayer, and community activities.

The service team comprised members from Mangalore, Goa, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli—many of whom met for the first time during the mission. Despite initial challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences, the team successfully bonded and delivered a programme that left a lasting impact on both the children and the volunteers.

The camp incorporated sessions from the MFC Youth Intake Camp module and the Live Pure module, covering themes such as God’s love, Jesus’ sacrificial love on the cross, sin and repentance, personal prayer, the sacraments, and resisting temptation. These teachings were supported by praise and worship, Holy Adoration, daily Mass, and Confession, creating an immersive spiritual environment. Group activities and demonstrations helped the children engage meaningfully with the content.

The camp also provided space for fellowship and fun. By the second day, the children participated enthusiastically in action songs and games. On the third evening, a bonfire and talent show, organised by Fr Paul of Relva, showcased cultural exchange as the children performed traditional dances and the service team sang Konkani songs. The team joined in the Adivasi dance, finding it both exhilarating and physically engaging.

On the fourth day, the group visited Korvi Mata, a nearby hill believed to be the site of an apparition of Our Lady to a Spanish missionary. There, they prayed the Rosary with the children and witnessed a breathtaking sunset.

One team member, Ana, recounted a personal milestone during the mission. She successfully delivered her first session in Hindi, a language she was hesitant to speak publicly due to a lack of fluency. As the Blessed Sacrament was carried in, Ana prayed, “Lord, remove my doubt; let my words be what You need them to hear.” By grace, she prayed with the children and led her session on "Personal Prayer and the Eucharist" with ease. "That courage came not from me, but from Him," she says.

During the team’s stay in Relva and Dediapada, they interacted with local priests and nuns who painted a sobering picture of life in these tribal villages. Alcoholism and domestic violence were distressingly common. “These are not happy children,” said Fr Rakesh. “This is not what a childhood should be.” However, the efforts of the committed clergy and religious, providing free education, youth mobilisation, and sacramental access, offer rays of hope.

The celebration of the Eucharist revealed rich cultural expressions unique to the region. Attendees sat cross-legged on the floor while choirs performed Gujarati and Adivasi chants accompanied by traditional instruments. Priests wore vestments adorned with Warli art, and agarbatti sticks replaced the thurible. Ana described these adaptations as a powerful testament to the universality of Christ’s love, transcending cultural differences.

Reflecting on the mission, Hanan, the leader of the team, remarked, “That’s what mission is supposed to do to you. It’s supposed to move your heart forever for the best of the people you serve.” The children of Dediyapada and the surrounding villages left an indelible mark on the hearts of the MFC Singles Goa team, inspiring them to carry forward the spirit of service and prayer.

By Ana Smriti Paes