Oman: Holy Spirit Church, Ghala Enters into Silver Jubilee Year
Report: Clarence Pinto
Pics: Dilip Correa
Daijiworld Media Network - Oman
Oman, Nov 29: The church of the Holy Spirit, Ghala, Sultanate of Oman had a great occasion of celebrating the glorious commencement of the Silver Jubilee year of its existence in Oman on Friday, November 25 at the church premises. The Jubilee Year programme commenced with a High Mass led by Bishop Paul Hinder – Bishop of The Vicariate of Southern Arabia.
Ghala is an industrial township around 25 kms from Ruwi City. Holy Spirit Church, Ghala established around 24 years ago on the land donated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The church caters the spiritual needs of expatriate faithful up to the city of Barka in the Batinah Coastal Region. For the last few years Ghala Parish has shown a great improvement in their spiritual enhancement, unity and community togetherness under the able and timely guidance of Bernard G Gremoli – former Bishop of Arabia and Bishop Paul Hinder – present Bishop of Southern Arabia.
The priests who have served the parish are Fr Barnabas Maddi, Fr Jesse, Fr Varghese Chempoly, Fr Joseph Thyagaraj, Fr Chacko Mannisserril, Fr John Fernandaz, Fr Lester Mendonca, Fr Albert D'Silva, Fr Maria Anthony, Fr Zacharias Para, Fr Bose and Fr Christudas. However, since Fr Albert D Silva took over the charge of this parish on 26th February 2010, the improvements and developments that transformed the whole parish surroundings are truly praiseworthy.
In this short period of his service to the parish, Fr Albert has applied special efforts and diligent dedication in reinforcing the whole community of the Ghala Parish in one spirit. He has given a new shape to the church interior, sacristy and whole surrounding. As one of the senior member of the parish said – “we are really lucky to have a pastor and friend like Father Albert during this important year in the history of Ghala Parish. He is young and energetic in the meantime very much matured and wise in his administration and application of decisions. He has brought lot of changes in the church by re-shaping the sanctuary and surroundings. The whole church looks awesome and congregation is taking extra interest in the church activities. He has brought a special harmony in the communities and strengthened the spiritual awareness. We are grateful to Paul Hinder for giving us a priest like Father Albert. In the meantime, we are also grateful to all the pastors who served this parish with unselfish dedication and hard work.”
The programme of the Jubilee year commencement started at 6 pm with a holy mass concelebrated by Bishop Paul Hinder, V. Fr Varghese Chempoly (Vice provincial), Fr Raul Ramos – parish priest of Sts. Peter and Paul Church - Ruwi, Fr Albert D Silva – Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Church – Ghala, Fr Mathew – Assistant Parish Priest of Sts Peter and Paul Church - Ruwi, Fr Christudas – Assistant Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Church - Ghala, Fr Vincent and Fr Paul – visiting priests from India.
Immediately after the high mass a meaning ceremony was held and it was anchored by Goretti Pinto – current vice president of parish council of Holy Spirit Church and active community leader. After the welcome address by Fr Albert D Silva, Leena Fernandes and Bosco presented floral bouquets to Bishop Paul Hinder and Most Varghese Chempoly. Jubilee year’s special theme “Celebration of Unity in Faith and Parish Life” was released by Fr Raul Ramos.
A beautiful logo for the jubilee year was formulated by the parishioners with many meaningful symbols like 25 years – the celebration of 25 glorious years, the Holy Spirit, The Eucharist, The word of God, The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, Rosary, Church, Priest and parishioners, Frankincense – the symbol of Oman and the date palms – singing hosanna to Christ proclaiming Him the king of the Universe. The logo was released by Bishop Paul Hinder. A website has been designed to offer the complete details of the church and parish and it was released by Very Father Varghese Chempoly. The title of the website is www.holyspiritchurchoman.com. As per the sources from the church, the website is still under creation and will be available to view within few days. This website will give the complete details of the parish and church activities.
In their speeches Bishop Paul Hinder and Very Varghese Chempoly thanked His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his generosity and benevolence to the Christian community in Oman. They also mentioned that because of His Majesty’s generous support and guidance, the expatriates in Oman can practice their religion. They also wished the whole nation the prosperity and good future in every endeavor.
A special prayer has been formulated for the jubilee year and it will be recited during all the obligation masses throughout the jubilee year. The Jubilee Year’s prayer was first time recited which was led by Father Albert D Silva.
The programme concluded with the singing of the Jubilee Hymn.
During this joyful event, Fr Albert D'Silva gave the following message :-
"It is said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. The first step, though small and uncertain, when firm, strong and totally focused, enables one to complete the journey. Even though the journey is completed, the first step is never forgotten, because it all began with this little step.
24 years ago, the first step was taken by the Late Fr Barnabas, and then the journey continued under the leadership of the former pastors and dedicated parishioners, which has today become a giant leap. We are so glad that their first steps were so firm and strong, that we have been able to continue to move ahead. We are grateful to them for their exemplary lives and hard work that built up our parish.
May the Holy Spirit our beloved Patron renew us and lead us forward to continue this wonderful journey. May all the activities and renewal throughout the year, be fruitful and helpful to all of us"
The Jubilee Year’s events announced are as follows:
November 2011 Grand Inauguration of the Jubilee Year
Food Festival
December 2011 Christmas Party for Children, Christmas Love, Community
Carol Singing Night, Dawn Masses, Christmas Celebration.
January 2012 New Year Ghala Bash
February 2012 Parish Fun Games
March 2012 Children’s Retreat, Parish Retreat, Holy land Pilgrimage
April 2012 Talent Competitions for children
May 2012 May Ball, Feast of the Pentecost, May Devotions
June 2012 Parents Day Celebration
July 2012 Children’s Summer Camp
August 2012 Popular Music Troupe from Kerala in live concert
September 2012 Parish Picnic
October 2012 Rex Band/UAE-based Pop Group
November 2012 Retreat (Triduum), Food Festival, Grand Finale