The Catechist overnight mission experience at Birondem was a much-needed opportunity that reminded me of my purpose as a catechist. From the moment I arrived, there was a sense of excitement in the air. The hospitality of the locals and the scenic beauty of the riverside location added peace and charm to our time together. The experience definitely brought everyone closer through laughter and joy and it made me understand the bond that we share. Visiting the families was a humbling and touching moment that strengthened my sense of mission and service.
Overall, the experience not only renewed my commitment to serve as a catechist but also deepened our bond as a community rooted in faith and love.
-Rayhann Cardozo
My trip to Birondem was a really beautiful experience. The highlight was visiting the local houses where I was touched by the warmth and friendliness of the people. It was beautiful to see the communal harmony between the different religions. Something that was really inspiring was learning about their tradition of coming together to celebrate each other’s festivals. Also the time spent in the river was truly amazing filled with laughter and joy.
-Dashia Gomes
My trip to Birondem was a great experience filled with moments of fun. It was a quite green village with a peaceful atmosphere. One of the best parts was dipping in the river and the simple boat rides through the waters. Visiting the catholic families in the area was really inspiring. They were warm and welcoming and shared stories of how they celebrate their feasts and stay connected to the church despite the distance. It reminded me that being a catechist means learning from other’s faith just as much as sharing your own.
-Loren Grace Gonsalves
The mission experience trip to Birondem village was truly mystical. The purpose of this visit was to strengthen our faith by learning from people who have no access to all the luxuries that we possess. They may not have all the wealth, but definitely the faith they have in Jesus was truly a learning point for me. The confidence of receiving whatever they prayed for is something that amazed me. Serving the Lord in whatever way they can are their priorities in life. Along with visiting houses, the prayer service that was organized by Fr. Agnelo was a beautiful experience. The prayer service was conducted amid the verdant and tranquil mother nature. In today’s fast-paced world, we rarely get an opportunity to pray in harmony with nature. But I was blessed to experience this magical moment.
What I learnt, is that these mission experiences can definitely enrich our Catholic lives and help us live a life that pleases our Creator.
-Shane Savio Fernandes