On August 1, 2023, we, the Rachol Seminary community began the Triduum in honour of Saint John Mary Vianney, the Patron Saint of the Diocesan Clergy, who’s feast, we celebrated on the 4th of August 2023. We had three esteemed speakers, each on separate days, that enlightened us on our journey as future Priests and as to what the Church of Goa expects from us, the many challenges that we tend to face so as to how can we be priests unto the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev. Fr. Gabriel Coutinho Parish Priest of Navelim, Mr. Jose Maria Miranda parishioner of the Holy Spirit Church, Margao and Fr. Lourenço Dias Asst. Parish Priest of Fatorda Church were instrumental in making the seminarians ponder on the life of a priest.
Each of the speakers had a lot to share but highlighted and stressed certain ideas and matters. Some of the fundamental aspects shared by all, be it in a parish or in a mission were; the importance of prayer which is an inevitable part in the life of a priest.
That there is a great price that we have to pay in order to be true to our calling specially in today’s times amidst all the various temptations, accusations and persecutions, and all of this can and is achievable when we grow in love for the Eucharist and are open to the workings of the Holy Spirit while asking the continued intercession from our mother Mary. The essence of each talk could be summed as “Be Happy”, happiness which could be transmitted to the people under our care.
The Feast of St. John Mary Vianney was celebrated on the 4th of August. The mass was held in the Seminary Chapel at 7 am. It was a culmination of the three days of the Triduum. The main celebrant of the Eucharistic Celebration was Fr. Macson. The celebration was solemnly celebrated with the homily being emphasised on the importance of humility and of saintliness, and St. John Mary Vianney as a great example for us to do the same.
The day also witnessed a volleyball match between the Priests and the Seminarians and concluded with a small get-together programme organised by the seminarians followed by a Community dinner.