KONKANI PRAYER GROUP

The Konkani Prayer Group was first formed in the year 1995 under the authority and guidance of the former Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Felicio Diniz to cater to the spiritual needs of the hundreds of Konkani speaking parishioners, mainly those who work as domestic servants who get half a day off on Sundays.

The Group was under the spiritual guidance of Rev. Fr. Oswin Fernandes, the then Assistant Priest, who was its first Spiritual Director and the core-group headed by Br. John Rebello. The first prayer meeting was held on Sunday, 25th February, 1995 in the class room of the old community centre, in the wing of the Mother Church, which was attended by about 25 – 30 people.

As the congregation grew in numbers, the first Life in the Spirit Seminar in Konkani was organized, which was well attended and culminated with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, where many were blessed in receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The congregation which was handful at its inception now has the membership grown into 200 odd members meeting every Sunday at 5.30 PM in the Mother Church. Since then Br. Freddy D’Souza and Br. Harold D’Souza also served as Core Group leaders. Currently Br. Freddy D’souza, once again heads the group, under the guidance of the Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Vincent D’souza.

The weekly activities of the prayer group include:

· Helping in the Liturgy for the Konkani Mass every Sunday at 4.15 pm in the Multipurpose Hall.

· Conducting Prayer Meetings every Sunday at 5.30 pm in the Mother Church, comprising of Praise & Worship, sharing the Word of God, general Intercessions and Fellowship

· Organizing Holy Hour every Friday, (except First Friday of the month) at 4.00 pm in the Mother Church.

The Prayer Group is also entrusted with the responsibility to organize the popular Annual Harvest Festival in the month of September, to celebrate the feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother which has been the added attraction of the year for the whole Konkani Community of the Parish.

The prayer group also assists the parish giving its full support in all parish activities, like the annual Family Day, Parish Feast dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; during Christmas and Easter services and any other when called upon.