It was a privilege for us in Bahrain that Sacred Heart Church in the Kingdom is chosen as the venue for the 2nd GCCRS (Gulf Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service) Leader’s Conference from 7 – 9 November, 2011, under the patronage of Rev. Fr. Dinesh Mendonca, our Parish Priest.
To prepare for this great event and Orientation Program was held in our parish on Friday, 29th October from morning until evening, which was conducted and attended by Bro. Cyril John, Chairman of the ICCRS Sub-Committee for Asia-Oceania (ISAO) and Vice-President of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (ICCRS) Council at the Vatican in Rome, and Rev. Fr. Varghese Chempoly, the Spiritual Director for Renewal in the Vicariate of Arabia and Kuwait in the presence of the Spiritual Director for Charismatic Renewal in Bahrain, Rev. Fr. Joy Menachery and the Patron and Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dinesh Mendonca.
The session began with introductory words by the Parish Priest, Fr. Dinesh, who introduced the speakers for the day and welcomed all to the parish of Sacred Heart, Bahrain. The Praise and Worship was led by English Charismatic Prayer Group, which was followed by the welcome address by Fr. Joy whereby he introduced Br. Cyril John and Fr. Varghese to the gathering.
Later, Br. Cyril John gave a teaching on INTERCESSION, whereby he explained in depth through the power-point presentation as to what is Intercession, Why we need Intercessions, How we should intercede and when we should intercede, citing various examples and thus enabling all present to reflect upon and to pray for being a good intercessor “……supplications, prayers, petitions and thanksgiving be offered for everyone….” (1Timothy 2:1-4). Fr. Varghese than gave the overview of GCCRS as to how it took place for the first time in Abu Dhabi in the year 2008 and how with the Holy Spirit’s guidance it will be held in Bahrain.
After having sumptuous lunch which was well coordinated by the Service Ministry team of all the prayer groups, and to keep all wide awake, the next joyful praise was led by Jesus Youth which was followed by the next teaching on LEADERSHIP by Br. Cyril John once again explaining in depth the role of Leadership in the family, in the church, in the prayer group or at work with emphasis on Commitment. “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit……” (John 15:16) Both the talks Intercession and Leadership were knowledgeable as Br. Cyril shared in a very simple manner making the participants feel that something was lacking in their qualities and need to be improved upon with the grace of God.
An half hour adoration took place, when the Blessed Sacrament was exposed and the adoration led by Fr. Varghese got us into climax with our Lord, who was present among us a decade of the Divine Mercy chaplet was sung as all present surrendered themselves to the Lord at the hymn – I surrender all. Fr. Joy than introduced and called upon the 25 names of the NST – National Service Team that was formed for Bahrain and the Executive Committee of five members from the team were anointed and prayed over.
This followed the main climax – the launching of the Logo – AMEN. It was wonderfully explained through the power-point presentation along with the theme: “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” Luke 5:4. When little children dressed as angels came waving about the Bahrain Flag and abbreviation of AMEN, one Abba, one Mission, one Empowerment, one Name – JESUS. Br. Cyril John unveiled the Logo and Fr. Varghese blessed the prayer cards that were to be distributed to all present and to everyone in the parish and the prayer groups to pray for the success of 2nd GCCRS Leaders Conference here in Bahrain. |
- Letter A with Cross Symbolizes Abba & Jesus
- Dove – Descending of the Holy Spirit to empower AMEN
- Group of people –
1) Unity … We believe in one Abba, one Mission, One Empowerment, one Name – JESUS!
2) Act. 17 : 6 “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” ….
- AMEN is a gathering of disciples of Jesus, who are called to change the face of the world.
- Globe : the world - where we need to continue HIS mission
- Special Colors used: - Red – Bahrain. Blue – Mother Mary’s special protection for AMEN
The program was coordinated by Br. Lawrie Cordeiro and vote of thanks was given by Br. Johnny Kuriakose.
Towards the end, Fr. Varghese, Fr Joy and Br. Cyril met with all 25 NST members and had an interactive discussion to chalk out a program in preparation for the big days ahead.
So, let us all put out our nets deep and have a good catch to make the forthcoming conference a big success. |
