On the morning of third May, we were blessed to begin our visit to the Saint Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre at old Goa. The 45 minutes bus ride there did not feel very long because when you are with your friends, time flies by. Within no time, we found ourselves at the gate of a large property positioned at the top of a hill. We were met with a refreshing silence, which is much different to the bustling streets of Margao. We were soon welcomed and led to a hall where a brief description of the place was given to us. We were told amazing facts and some stories about Saint Francis Xavier. We were also told about the meaningful prayer sessions that took place at a room in the centre and were later taken to visit and even given the opportunity of praying there. We were then given breakfast and sometime to freshen up after the journey. Not long after this, we were seated back at the hall and our first session began.
The first session was about the Ten Commandments with a special emphasis on the first three Commandments. We were given a detailed explanation on each of these Commandments and were provided with bible verses consisting these Commandments. Each session was approximately half an hour, and we were provided with a 10-minute break post each talk to prevent us from getting tired. The second session was based on the remaining seven commandments. after a 10-minute break began a third session titled ‘witnessing Christ in everyday life’. We were told about what our priorities in life should be centred around and also four core features of the talk were provided which were: -personal encounter with Christ, -living a Jesus centred life, -empowerment by the Holy Spirit and dependence on God for results.
At 12:30 p.m. began our Mass at the ‘Cross of Miracles chapel’, which was present in the Centre. We were told that it was given its name due to a miraculous cross that many people in the past had seen Jesus on. There was a large altar and soothing breeze in the chapel. Once Mass was celebrated, we were taken to the dining hall where we prayed, and this was proceeded with a delicious meal. We then returned to the hall after washing our plates for our fourth session.
This session was based on the topic ‘Confirmation’ which was extremely important as this is the sacrament which we were all preparing for. We were told about the signs during confirmation and the gifts and fruits which we will receive on confirmation day. We were told about the attacks of the Devil and how to resist him.
The next session was based on the topic ‘Eucharist’. We were explained how the word was derived from the Greek word ‘Eucharisto’ which means ‘thank you’. The parts of the Mass and how they are categorised, was explained. we were also informed about the many miracles that have taken place so that our faith may be strengthened.
The sessions concluded with a 45-minute prayer service, which included praise, worship and complete devotion to God in silence. We sang hymns, prayed the chaplet of divine mercy and offered all our prayers and worries to the Lord. It was a very calm, soothing and spiritual way to end the day.
It was a wonderful experience and was planned extremely well. Sister Godwina, Teacher Gladys and Agnes, a mother who accompanied us were all patient and understanding with us the entire time. I am truly grateful to our Parish Priest, teachers and everyone involved in the planning of such a meaningful and wonderful day.
Ilana Clovis Da Costa
Confirmation Candidate