A Pezar Deanery–level training program aimed at empowering parish leaders in Catholic Charismatic prayer and intercessory ministry was held on Sunday evening, June 28th, at St. Joseph Church, Bajpe.
The session was led by Fr. Clifford Fernandes and his team from the Catholic Charismatic Service Communion, Mangalore Diocese, and brought together over 100 participants from the parishes of Adyapady, Bajpe, Ferar, Gurpur, Permude, and Pezar.
The program began with a spirit-filled Praise and Worship, followed by the Rosary led by Br. Dolphy Lobo, Coordinator of the Catholic Charismatic Service Communion.
Rev. Fr. Vijay Monteiro, Assistant Parish Priest of Bajpe, extended a warm welcome to the gathering.
In his keynote address, Rev. Fr. Andrew D’Souza, Bajpe Parish Priest, reflected on biblical instances where the Holy Spirit guided the early Church, emphasizing how communal prayer brought about transformation and miracles. He highlighted the relevance of such prayer initiatives in today’s challenging times for the Church and the world.
Br. Dolphy Lobo further inspired the participants by sharing real-life testimonies of how prayer and intercession have helped individuals overcome difficulties and experience God’s grace. He also offered insights into the Charismatic ministry and its mission.
Fr. Clifford Fernandes, Director of the Catholic Charismatic Service Communion, provided a deeper understanding of intercessory prayer and introduced the diocesan initiative aimed at strengthening prayer groups across parishes.
As part of the training, Br. Ronald D’Souza, from the formation team, explained the structure and seven steps of intercessory prayer, referring to a newly published handbook, which was distributed among the participants for guidance and practical application.
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr. Jesudas D’Costa, Spiritual Advisor of the Pezar Deanery, spoke about the objective of the program—to equip lay faithful with proper tools and direction to establish and sustain intercessory and charismatic prayer groups in their respective parishes. He expressed gratitude to the organizers, resource persons, and participants, and invited all to take part in the weekly intercessory prayer sessions held every Wednesday at 5:00 PM at St. John Paul II Shrine, Bajpe.
The training concluded with a meaningful Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr. Clifford Fernandes, guiding participants through the stages of Praise and Worship, Repentance, Reflection on the Word of God, Surrender, Invocation of the Holy Spirit, Intercession, Personal Prayer, and Thanksgiving.
The training program proved to be a spiritually enriching experience, inspiring participants to actively foster prayer communities within their parishes and strengthening the culture of intercession across the Pezar Deanery.
