Lectors’ Training Session at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte–Kallianpur
A meaningful and spiritually enriching two-hour training session for Lectors was held at Mount Rosary Church on Sunday morning.
Soon after 8.00 a.m. Holy Mass, on 15th March 2026, an enthusiastic and carefully selected parishioners representing 18 wards of the parish gathered for the session to deepen their understanding of the sacred ministry of proclaiming the Word of God during the liturgy. The seminar aimed at helping participants appreciate the dignity, responsibility, and missionary spirit involved in this important service to the Church.
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Wilson D’Souza, Director of Divya Jyoti Pastoral Centre, Anugraha, who also served as the resource person for the training, concelebrating with Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Rohan Mascarenhas.
At 9.15 a.m., Parish Priest Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza formally introduced Fr Wilson D’Souza, and Fr Rohan offered a bouquet as a mark of respect and welcomed the gathering of more than 225 participants, and briefly explained the need for such awareness programmes.
He emphasised that proclaiming the Word of God is not merely reading from the Bible but a sacred mission entrusted by the Church, requiring preparation, reverence, and faith.
Fr. Wilson D’Souza then led the session with great clarity and inspiration. He beautifully explained the spiritual significance of the Lector’s ministry, reminding participants that they are messengers of God’s Word to the faithful. He also offered practical guidance on how to proclaim the Scriptures effectively—highlighting proper preparation, clarity of pronunciation, meaningful pauses, posture, and above all, a spirit of prayer, dignity, and devotion while standing at the altar of God.
The session helped participants realise that a Lector must not only read the Word but also live the Word, becoming instruments through whom God speaks to His people.
The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants clarified their doubts and gained further insights into the different parts of the Holy Mass, especially the proclamation of the Word of God.
At the end, Sr. Ancilla Roshni D’Mello, Animator of the Commission for Liturgy, proposed a heartfelt vote of thanks to Fr. Wilson D’Souza for his inspiring and enlightening presentation. She expressed gratitude to the Parish Priest and all the participants whose enthusiastic presence made the programme fruitful.
The session ended at 11.15 am, on a spiritually uplifting note, inspiring the participants to carry out their ministry of proclaiming God’s Word with renewed faith, reverence, and missionary zeal in the parish liturgy.
Reported by Archibald Furtado
Photographs arranged by Praveen Cutinho
