Bengaluru February 25, 2024: St. Anthony's Shrine in T C Palya was abuzz with joy and celebration on the 25th of February, 2024, as it marked the Annual Catechism Day with a series of vibrant events and ceremonies. The day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, led by Msgr. C Francis, the Parish Priest of St. Anthony's Shrine, invoking the blessings of the Almighty on the gathering.
A highlight of the day was the presence of Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Rodrigues, the Karnataka Regional Secretary of Catechetics, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The program featured a prayer dance and a skit, performed by the faith formation students, which emphasized the significance of the Word of God in daily life, setting a spiritual tone for the day's festivities.
Throughout the year, the faith formation team organized various engaging activities such as a Star-making Competition, Bible Quiz, Glorified-2023 (Saints Fancy Dress Competition), Magnificat-2023 (Presentation of Marian Apparitions), and a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Lourdes Church. These activities aimed to deepen the students' understanding of their faith and foster a sense of community among them.
The ceremony also included a prize distribution ceremony, where trophies, medals, and certificates were awarded to the winners of the activities, as well as to the toppers of the examination and students with the highest attendance. Every student received a certificate of participation, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to the program.
The success of the faith formation program at St. Anthony's Shrine can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of its team, comprising 21 well-trained teachers, including 10 lay faithful. These teachers underwent seminars on effective teaching methods and syllabus implementation, ensuring that each class was well-organized and impactful.
The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the Annual Catechism Day. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the past year but also inspired the faith formation team to continue their noble work for the greater glory of God.
Report by: Rev. Fr. Naveen Balraj