St. Peter’s Church, Koliwada, Vasai, Conducts Life in the Spirit Seminar for Fisherfolk Community

Koliwada, Vasai, June 28, 2025: The parish prayer group of St. Peter’s Church, Koliwada, a parish in the Diocese of Vasai, conducted a four-day Life in the Spirit seminar for the fisherfolk community of the parish from June 17 to 20, 2025, at the mass centre in Pachubandar. The programme was organised to offer the participants a transformative encounter with God and spiritual renewal. The event drew an impressive 2,100 faithful belonging to the fishing community from across the parish.

The organisers dedicated the first two days of the seminar to women and young girls, attracting over 900 attendees. In the following two days, nearly 1,200 men—both young and old—participated in the event. Throughout the four days of the programme, attendees actively participated in vibrant sessions of praise and worship, received inspiring spiritual teachings, and engaged in dynamic charismatic gatherings.

Bishop Thomas D’Souza of Vasai Diocese presided over two special Charismatic Masses during the seminar – one during the session for men and the other during the sessions for women. Each of these special Masses was followed by a powerful session on healing and infilling of the Holy Spirit. The atmosphere during the sessions resembled a modern-day Pentecost, with several participants reporting healings and deep spiritual encounters.

Bishop Thomas D’Souza's presence and encouragement during the seminar deeply moved the participants and strengthened their faith journey.

Parish Priest Fr. Francis Dabre, along with assistant parish priests Fr. Joe Pereira, Fr. Ramesh D’Souza, and Fr. Thomas Alfanso, worked in coordination with the core team of the parish charismatic group to plan and execute the seminar. 

The event featured a team of gifted charismatic speakers, including Fr. Luis Fernandes, Fr. Brian Dias, Fr. Valentine Pawkar, Fr. Blaise Kelkar, Sr. Monica, Linus D’Costa, and Bishop Thomas D’Souza, who ministered through Spirit-led preaching and the laying on of hands.

The seminar, held annually during the monsoon season when the fishing community remains ashore for boat and net repairs, has become a tradition in the Vasai Diocese. This year’s seminar was seen as a fresh call from Jesus to the fishermen from the diocese: “I will make you fishers of men.”

By Catholic Connect Reporter