On February 28, 2025, the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral Parish successfully conducted its annual Pastoral Assembly, making it the second parish to do so following the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly for the year 2025 held on February 6-7, 2025. The theme for the pastoral year 2025, “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1), guided the discussions and strategic planning throughout the assembly.
Pastoral Priorities for 2025
The assembly was structured around the key pastoral priorities outlined during the Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly. These priorities include:
- Increasing vocations in priestly and religious life.
- Formation and nurturing of Small Christian Communities (SCCs).
- Conducting an inclusive survey of the diocese and its people.
- Encouraging participatory liturgy.
The Cathedral Parish Assembly functioned primarily as a workshop, focusing on the development of a concrete action plan tailored to these priorities.
Structure and Discussions
Mirroring the schedule of the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly, the event commenced with a presentation and discussion on the implementation report of the previous year’s pastoral plan. Mr. Alex Serrao presented the 2024 pastoral plan review, which was followed by an engaging discussion involving all participants.
Subsequently, the Archbishop’s Pastoral Letter was presented by Mr. Mickey Paul Gonsalves, Development Coordinator from the Archdiocesan Curia. This was followed by a session of personal life testimonies, where esteemed speakers shared insights on the theme of pastoral care and Christian service:
- Mrs. Teresa Sarker spoke on “Christians are Called to be Shepherds of Each Other: Faithful Living in Family and Society.”
- Sr. Ruma Christina Costa, RNDM shared on “Religious Brothers and Sisters as Witnesses of the Shepherd’s Love: The Consecrated Life of Service.”
- Fr. Silvanus Hembram reflected on “A Priest’s Heart is Christ’s Heart: Tending the Flock with Servant and Sacrificial Leadership.”
Workshop and Strategic Planning
Following the presentations, participants engaged in group workshops to formulate a detailed pastoral action plan for the year. The discussions were focused on practical steps to implement the pastoral priorities within Our Lady of Holy Rosary Cathedral parish.
Solemn Conclusion
The assembly concluded with a solemn Mass, during which all participants took a candle-lit oath to commit themselves to the plans and resolutions made during the assembly. The event was a profound moment of unity and dedication, setting the stage for a spiritually enriched and mission-oriented 2025.
