Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 20: With the blessings of Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of diocese of Mangalore, the Mangalore Diocesan Service of Communion (MDSC) was reconstituted on July 19 and 20 under the direction of the National Service of Communion (NSC) and the Karnataka Regional Service of Communion (KRSC).

The reconstitution team comprised key personnel including Fr Franklin D'Souza, spiritual director of KRSC; Victor John, NSC coordinator; Joy Anthony, resource person; along with MDSC spiritual director Fr Clifford Fernandes and outgoing coordinator Kevan D'Souza. The programme was hosted at Bishop's House, Mangalore.

The day's proceedings commenced on July 19 at 9 am with a Rosary and praise and worship session facilitated by the Mangaluru team. The introduction and inauguration followed. Subsequently, Fr Clifford Fernandes delivered a session on the topic of "Called and Chosen." Following a tea break, Victor John presented on "CCR & Leadership in the Church." A question-and-answer session with Fr Clifford and Victor John was held.

The afternoon session commenced with a period of praise and worship, facilitated by the Mangaluru team. Fr Franklin D'Souza delivered a presentation on servant leadership, drawing insights from Acts 8:9-22.

Subsequently, Fr Franklin D'Souza presided over the Holy Eucharist joined by Fr Clifford Fernandes, emphasising the "Role and responsibilities of service team members," referencing Mk 10:17-31. The day's activities concluded with a brief adoration led by Fr Franklin D'Souza, with the first day's programme concluding at 5:30 pm. Bro Elias Coelho served as the emcee for the day's proceedings.

The second day of the event, commencing on July 20 at 9 am, featured a session of praise and worship led by the Mangaluru team. Joy Anthony delivered a presentation on "The Oath: A commitment for 3 years in the mission of the Lord."

Subsequently, Monsignor Fr Maxim Noronha addressed the attendees and offered a blessing. Following this, nominees introduced themselves, and voting procedures were conducted. The discerning team engaged in discernment, supported by adoration from the participants. By 1 pm, a new team comprising seven members was discerned and selected.

The newly chosen team members are as follows: Dolphy Lobo, coordinator; Mercy Celine Menezes, secretary; Ronald D'Souza, Jacinta D'Souza, Cyprian D'Souza, Rolma Rachel D'Costa, and Maurice D'Souza.

Following the lunch break, the Mangaluru team facilitated the praise and worship session. Subsequently, Fr Clifford Fernandes commenced the process of selecting a deanery representative to oversee the renewal mission within the deaneries. He then expressed gratitude to the resource team.

At 3 pm, Fr Franklin D'Souza presided over the Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist, joined by Fr Clifford Fernandes, and led the oath-taking ceremony following the Gospel reading. The Mass concluded with the laying on of hands for all attendees. Subsequently, the outgoing coordinator, Kevan, formally transferred the files and the key to Dolphy Lobo and his team.

The programme concluded with a tea service.