Media Release

Puttur, Nov 21: On eve of the celebration of the year of Small Christian Community, a deanery level convention was held at Mai De Deus Church hall, Puttur on November 19. There were 400 people along with priests. Religious of deanery of 10 parishes were present.

Newly appointed Bishop Dr Geevarghese Mar Macarios, Bishop of Malankara Church, Puttur diocese was honoured and felicitated at beginning of the programme. The bishop, receiving the honour said, “Being a servant of God, walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as Good Shepherd, needs your prayers and cooperation.” He assured all his blessings and thanked the dean Fr Alfred J Pinto and all other priests and religious and people of Puttur deanery for the honour.

Various activities held in small Christian communities at parish level were presented through the power point.

Fr Fredrick Montiero, the deanery co-ordinator introduced resource person Fr Joachim Fernandes, the parish priest of Kelarai, to the gathering. Fr Joachim highlighted the importance of SCC and people pointed out a number of positives experienced through SCC.

Puttur parishioners presented a short skit about social evils and family problems, prayerlessness, loneliness, rejection of elders and showed how SCC can be a solution for all this.

Fr Joachim Fernandes continued the session. At the end, parish coordinators were honoured by the vicar for their service.

Fr Alfred J Pinto welcomed the gathering, and Thomas Lewis, co-ordinator thanked the gathering. Fr Fredrick Monteiro and Inas Gonsalves compered the programme.