Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Jan 22: Couples for Christ (CFC) celebrated their fourth Family Day on Sunday at Bejai Church Hall. Over 750 people who have committed themselves to live renewed way of life participated on this occasion.
The celebration was to mark their fourth year of formation in the Diocese of Mangalore. Bishop of Mangalore Aloysius Paul D’Souza celebrated the thanks giving Mass along with Fr Victor D’Mello, Director, Family Life Service Centre and Fr Thomas, Provincial of Dominican Congregation.
In his Message to the gathering particularly to CFC, the Bishop congratulated them for growing to such large numbers in the last four years. He appreciated and expressed his happiness for initiating Couples for Christ in the Diocese of Mangalore by Fr Victor D’Mello and revealed his plans for building a strong church through the building of families in the diocese of Mangalore.
Further in his message he took the issues of the present day stressed the importance of Lay Ministries particularly Couples for Christ, a lay Family Renewal Ministry. He was of the opinion that no matter whatever is done by any individual or organization, only a family is in a position to renew another family and in the next two years this should reach to all the parishes of the Mangalore Diocese.
The first issue of the CFC newsletter ‘Parzal’ was released by the Bishop on this occasion.
A VCD “Jezu Songim Mhoji Khursa Vatt” directed and produced by Richard and Jane Machado, CFC couple from Derebail Parish was also released by the Bishop.
Variety of Entertainment programmes were conducted by the children, youth and couples from Bantwal, Kallianpur and Mangalore Chapters of CFC.
Couples for Christ was initiated in Mangalore in January 2003, by couples from Bombay. From 32 persons in March 2003, today CFC has grown to over 1000 persons. This membership is derived from over 30 parishes of the Diocese of Mangalore.
Youth for Christ (YFC) for the age group between 13 to 20 and Singles for Christ (SFC) (www.sfcmangalore.com) for age group 21 and above and the two family ministries of CFC are active in Mangalore.