Theme: Evangelization
KD Jola, Andhra Pradesh: The Word of God is alive and active among the Savara tribe. The Savara Bible Soba originally was started by Rev. Fr. Joseph Mulan, CM in 1997 to strengthen their faith and from then onwards the Savara speaking parishes have taken the responsibility of organizing it each year in different parishes. This bible soba which is meant for the Savara speaking parishes begins every year soon after the Ash Wednesday as a preparation for the Easter when our Lord defeats the death by rising. These Savara parishes widely spread in Srikakulam, Rayagada, and Bharampur Dioceses. This year 2020, Montfort Missionaries staying at the Shantinagar Mission community took the initiative to conduct 23rd Bible Convention at Chintamanuguda village, KD Jola Parish, Srikakulam Diocese in Andhra Pradesh. This Bible Convention was organized from 27-02-2020 to 01-3-2020 for the spiritual nourishment of the Savara faithful, coming from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha under the guidance of the Shepherds of the Catholic Church.
The Bible Convention was solemnly inaugurated with Holy Mass by Most Rev. Dr. Mallavarapu Prakash, the Archbishop of Vishakapatnam on 27th February evening at Chinthamanuguda village. On 28-02-2020 we had two talks on Repentance by Fr. Mathew Chandrapur Palli, OD and the second was on The History and Importance of the Catholic Church by Fr. Amar, SJ followed by Holy Eucharist celebrated in Oddiya by Most Rev. Dr. Sarath Chandra Nayak the bishop of Bharampur Diocese and in the evening, adoration led by Fr. Ajay. On 29-02-2020 there were three talks addressed namely Evangelization in the Family by Sr. Renuka (SOM).
The Role of Mary in the Family and the Church by Fr. Jesudas and The Role of Youth in the Church and Vocation to Priesthood and Religious life by Fr. Bolabonto and the evening adoration led by Dhyana Kedram members from Ollada parish, Odisa. On this day the Holy Eucharist was celebrated in Oddiya by Most. Rev. Aplinar Senapati the Bishop of Rayagada. On the final day of the 23rd Bible Convention, there was one talk given on The Importance of the Holy Eucharist by Fr. Sanjeevi and was officially concluded with the Holy Mass in Telugu by Most. Rev. Dr. Rayarala Vijay Kumar, PIME the second Bishop of Srikakulam Diocese.
There were also confessions made available for the people and other forms of prayers like Morning Prayer, Rosay and Way of the Cross, etc. It was an enriching spiritual experience for both religious and laymen and women to have it at Chintamanuguda where it is located just below the mountain upon which the Big Cross, Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue and Blessed Virgin Mary Statues are placed facilitating spiritual atmosphere for people who go there for prayer and meditation. There were more than twenty thousand people attended this Bible Convention from Sixteen parishes.
It was well organized by the committee members especially Rev. Fr. Kiran and Fr. T. Ravi in collaboration with the supervisors, catechists and faithful from both Shantinagar and KD Jola parishes to help the people have a deep spiritual God-fearing experience at the beginning of Lent to celebrate the Easter worthily. During four days the Holy Mass was live telecasted on Divyavaani Channel. We express our sincere gratitude to God, all departments and people who have helped us in one way or the other to organize it successfully. We concluded it by giving glory to God for His countless blessings.
Frs. J. Kiran & Ravi Thappeta, SMM
