Ecumenical prayer organised at Pilar
HERALD NEWS BUREAU
PANJIM, JAN 26
An ecumenical prayer meet between four Christian churches was recently held in Mission Seminary Chapel, Pilar. About 150 members of Methodist Church, Panjim, Mar Thoma Church, Santa Cruz, Indian Orthodox Church, Ribandar and Catholic Church, Pilar participated in the prayer meeting.
Welcoming the participants, Rector of the Pilar Seminary, Dr Seby Mascarenhas said that all have the same faith and same love of Jesus Christ, which ingrained in our hearts. He briefly traced how differences have crept in giving birth to various denominations.
Reflecting on the gospel of the John, Orthodox pastor Rev Isaac Jose pointed out the humility and openness of John the Baptist that should be a model for all Christians.
Methodist pastor Rev Anil Kumar spoke of the need of commitment and depth that can break all barriers.
Fr Randall Barretto of the Society of Pilar expounded on the qualities of love and called for patience, trust and hope that would eventually lead to unity among all Churches.
Proposing the vote of thanks, noted historian Fr Cosme Costa called all the Churches petals in the same flower. The choirs of Mar Thoma Church, Orthodox Church and Pilar Seminary rendered beautiful hymns for the congregation. The beautiful seminary ended with a fellowship meal.
Speaking after the ceremony, the Rector of the Seminary proposed to have a fixed date for such a meeting as it brought people closer together.
Many participants called for more frequent meetings of such type and suggested a standing committee of all churches.