By Matters India Reporter
Panaji, Nov 11, 2019: Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman has urged contributors to a daily Bible reading booklet in Konkani to take risks to proclaim the word of God.
“It is a challenge to make Jesus’s vision and values ours. He wants us to be instruments in forming his people through this booklet of reflections,” the archbishop said during a Mass on November 10 to mark the 25th anniversary of “Jivitacho Prokas” (Light of Life), a booklet published by the archdiocese.
The prelate reminded the gathering that they are not Jesus’s disciples by chance. “He has called us and formed us. He is calling us to personalize his vision. He calls us constantly to care for the others,” he added.
The booklet was started in 1994 when Archbishop Ferrao was a priest and the director of the Diocesan Centre for the Lay Apostolate. He also edited the “Daily Flash,” a similar booklet in English.
Both the booklets are written by the laity for the laity.
“We are all members of the “Jivitacho Prokas” family. I am glad that the Jubilee takes place this year when we have the theme ‘Go and do likewise like the Good Samaritan,’ for the archdiocesan activities,” the archbishop pointed out.
The “Daily Flash” was started in 1990 by Noemia Mascarenhas, a lay woman, and it soon became popular scripture in Goa and elsewhere. The aim of “Daily Flash” is to help the faithful read and reflect on the Word of God, so that they gain a faith encounter with God.
“It also encourages readers to give life witness to Christ, to guide the people to a renewal of Christian Life oriented towards action,” explained Mascarenhas, the founder.
According to her, the booklet becomes handy for family prayers and the meetings of Small Christian Communities. Besides scripture reflections with examples from everyday life, the booklet contains fillers from the Vatican Documents. It serves as a type of catechesis.”
At present the Konkani version has some 21,150 readers and the English version 9,100, explained Father Jorge Fernandes, current editor.
Joseph Noronha, who sends daily message, noted a drop in the demand for the printed versions. “But it has more readers online and WhatsApp. There are readers in 30 countries for WhatsApp,” he said and added, “I found the people have hunger for the word of God on WhatsApp.”
Cynthia Clementine, a teacher has been writing for the Konkani booklet for seven years. “I am interested in writing and as a catechist it is easy for me to contribute reflections on the daily scripture readings. I get to write four reflections every year,” she said.
More than 60 lay Catholics contribute content in turns, for the booklet. They include teachers, students and homemakers, both men and women.
Looking back at the 25 years, Francisca Fernandes another contributor says, “Jivitacho Prokas” becomes the spiritual food and drink for those who are sick, aged and the homebound, and for the mothers who cannot attend daily Mass as they have to attend to their children.”
“This booklet helps us to read and reflect on the daily readings and put it into practice in our daily lives. I find that my life also has changed,” added Francisca who had been writing reflection since 23 years.
According to her, “The journey of 25 years was not easy. The contribution of different people to the content by way of sharing their life experiences, writing reflections helped keep abreast the purpose of the booklet.”
“Jivitacho Prokas” also helps in promoting the Konkani language, according to Francesca. “It is a joy for all Goan brothers and sisters spread around the world to get the opportunity to read the daily scripture reflections in Konkani.”
Lydia Fernandes, a distributor the past 23 years, says the job gives her joy and satisfaction as she visits 14 parishes every two months.
“My brother used to do it after office hours. I took over from him. Since I can no more ride a scooter my niece takes me in the car. She will gradually take over from me. And her daughter says that she will take over from her mother.”