Media Release
Shivamogga, Aug 9: The Family Commission of the diocese of Shimoga organised a two-day Christian Life Seminar (CLS) at Sannidhi Pastoral Centre, Shivamogga, on August 8 and 9, bringing together couples and families interested in joining the Missionary Families of Christ (MFC).
The seminar was conducted as a ‘Come and See’ programme, offering participants an opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, strengthen their faith and understand their role in building Christ-centred families.
The programme began on Saturday afternoon with praise and worship, creating an atmosphere of prayer, fellowship and openness to God's action.
A resource team from MFC Bengaluru led the participants through a series of faith-enriching sessions. The resource persons included Monthu Moras, Vinitha, Dominic, Thelma, Sharrel and others.
The sessions focused on themes including Jesus the Messiah, the call to witness, repentance and faith, the gift of the Holy Spirit, growing in the Holy Spirit and transformation in Christ. The teachings encouraged participants to deepen their personal relationship with Christ and recognise their responsibility to witness to the Gospel through their lives and families.
Prayer and spiritual activities formed an integral part of the seminar. Continuous adoration of the Blessed Eucharist was arranged throughout the programme, providing participants with opportunities for prayer and personal reflection.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation was also made available following due preparation. The Eucharistic celebration was offered by Fr Sunil Rodrigues OCD, bringing the participants together in prayer and worship.
The seminar also featured personal sharing by couples, group activities, testimonies and warm-up sessions. These activities enabled participants to interact, share experiences and strengthen fellowship among families from different parishes.
Around 60 members participated in the Christian Life Seminar, including nine new couples from different parishes of the Diocese who responded positively to the invitation to join the Missionary Families of Christ.
The concluding message was delivered by Fr Venil D'Silva, director of the Family Commission. He summed up the spirit of the seminar through four calls: ‘Come and See – Encounter Jesus’, ‘Open Your Heart – Be Transformed’, ‘Take It Home – Build Your Family’ and ‘Come and See, Go and Share’.
The two-day programme concluded on Sunday with a vote of thanks delivered by David Raj, coordinator of MFC activities, Shivamogga.
The seminar provided participants with an opportunity to renew their relationship with Christ, strengthen family bonds and reflect on their mission to live and share the Christian faith.