from daijiworld's special correspondent
 
Panaji, Aug 30: The Day of Lay Apostolate was celebrated at Our Lady of Hope Church, Chinchinim on Sunday, August 27. The concelebrated Eucharist was presided over by Fr Geraldo da Costa, parish priest of Chinchinim and the homily was delivered by Fr  Aleixo Menezes, director, Diocesan Centre for Lay Apostolate
 
The Day was celebrated with the families of seafarers and those working abroad from the Chinchinim Deanery area. Around 400 people from the nine parishes of the deanery were present.

In the programme that followed in the School Hall, Dr Jorson Fernandes emphasized the need of values in the families of the seafarers and of those working abroad, especially in situations when money plays too important a role in their lives. Fr Maverick Fernandes spoke on the importance of social concern as an essential part of our Christian faith. A short skit was presented by the youth of the parish of Chinchinim.

In his words of thanks, Fr Aleixo requested the seafarers and those working abroad to remain united in their parishes, so that the evils affecting their families may be averted through a common effort. He thanked everyone, especially the priests and  the seafarers of Chinchinim parish, for helping in the organization of the day.