Parishioners of Our Woman of Salvation Church in Dadar, Mumbai, western India, gathered on August 4 to honor and pray for his or her parish clergy throughout a particular celebration marking the feast of St. John Mary Vianney, patron saint of parish clergymen.
Organized by the Parish Pastoral Council, the prayer service introduced collectively the parish group in thanksgiving for the ministry of clergymen who accompany the devoted of their religious journey and serve the Church by means of preaching, the sacraments, and pastoral care.
The celebration was attended by the parish clergy, Fathers Michael Pinto, Joseph Pimenta, Victor Noronha, and Glasten Gonsalves.
Impressed by the theme from Jeremiah 3:15, “I offers you shepherds after my very own coronary heart”, the service mirrored on the vocation of clergymen to steer God’s folks with knowledge, compassion, and understanding.
Talking throughout this system, parishioner Prof. Marina Pinto mentioned the Church continues to witness God’s promise by means of the instance of St. John Mary Vianney and the devoted ministry of bishops and clergymen around the globe.
She famous that, throughout the Archdiocese of Bombay, the dedication and collaborative ministry of clergymen proceed to maintain parish communities vibrant and conscious of the wants of the devoted.
The celebration included moments of silent prayer, intercessions for clergymen, and a litany of blessings led by kids, expressing gratitude for the clergy’s devoted witness and repair.
The parish youth paid tribute to every priest, highlighting their distinctive contributions to parish life and presenting them with religious bouquets and commemorative items as an indication of appreciation.
In a transferring gesture, parishioners gathered across the clergymen holding lighted candles whereas singing the hymn Preserve Them, We Pray Thee, Dearest Lord, praying for his or her energy, holiness, and perseverance in ministry.
The gathering concluded with a blessing imparted by the parish clergy, adopted by the singing of Yeshu Hai Saccha Gadariya (“Jesus Is the True Shepherd”) and a fellowship reception over cake and low.
The celebration reaffirmed the shut bond between the clergy and parishioners, encouraging the devoted to proceed supporting and praying for his or her clergymen whereas recognizing their indispensable position within the life and mission of the Church.
