The Salesian Parish Priests of Jesus the Good Shepherd Province of New Delhi their annual meeting via online on 10th September 2020. The meeting began at 9.00 a.m. animated by Fr. Vijay Soy and Fr. Hilarius Kullu. Fr. Hilarius cordially welcomed all the participants and handed over to Fr. Vijay Soy to coordinate the meeting.
The participants were asked to share their experiences on the following three areas:
1. Our response towards the faith formation of our faithful during Covid-19
2. Revisiting of the strategic plan of the Province
3. Report of the Education to Faith
Fr. Vijay Soy gave a short introductory talk highlighting how the pandemic Covid-19 has affected everyone in the area. It has damaged every aspect of life, social, political, Religious etc. Every sector of human society is under threat and anxious about how to overcome it. A discussion followed regarding ‘Our response towards the faith formation of our faithful during Covid-19.’ The parishioners of most of our parishes were sensitive and reached out voluntarily to the needy people. Youth groups, Women Sodalities and other voluntary groups came up spontaneously, made collections of cash or kind and distributed among the needy. We could see a sense of solidarity and fellow feeling irrespective of caste or creed. At the same time without God, without Church, without prayer people simply could not survive. They found it very difficult to go on without religious services and the presence of the faith community. They tried their level best at least for some time to come and attend Holy Mass. Later they were provided with online Mass. However, without Holy Communion they felt incomplete. People at large, irrespective of pastoral visits by priests, came together for prayer. Wherever possible Deacons went to administer the Holy Communion.
The priests and religious in Salesian parish settings reached out to the people both materially and spiritually. Sudden lockdown handicapped the daily wage labourers. There was no work and therefore no food. They were totally helpless until some generous volunteers came forward to their rescue. Sunday Mass in the Church was closed and remains so even today. However, the pastors went where their sheep were. Some divided the parish into mini groups. Online Mass became common means of spiritual nourishment. Through this medium the Church could enter into every family. Officially, the Church doors still remained shut, the faithful are in long vigil. At some places the faithful gathered together for common prayer and sharing of the Word of God. To such gathering the Holy Communion was easily administered which was much appreciated by the faithful. In some villages, Holy Mass was permitted by the Deans in small groups. Sacraments like Baptism were administered, and marriages were solemnized or rectified with prior permission from concerned authority, keeping in mind the aspect of social distancing. Visits to the sick and anointing were done in a limited manner. Funerals were conducted without Mass. Jeevan Sahara initiated by Fr. Joe D’Souza is working 24×7 helping the orphans. Sunday Catechism Classes have suffered a lot. Some are even forgetting how to reply at the Holy Mass. Bible sharing, Marian devotions, Catechism classes and training for BCC continued in certain parishes.
Salesian educative pastoral plan is an effective tool for Salesian pastoral ministry. The participants revisited the Province Strategic Plan, pertaining to Parish Ministry, and evaluated together how far they were able to implement it. Some charismatic people have come forward voluntarily and given space to animate. Different groups and sodalities are involved in pastoral ministry. In some parishes they are playing the leading roles in animating the faithful. Every Sunday they go to different villages and gather together for the Word of God and prayer. The youngsters, willing to become priest or religious are being identified and encouraged. Political awareness has come in the people, however still much more is to be done.
At the end Fr. Vijay Soy also presented to the participants the report of the meeting of the Province delegates of Education to faith dimension which was held on 30th August 2020.
Fr. Hilarius Kullu SDB
Fr. Vijay Soy SDB