Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, namely Jamalkhan parish organized its annual pastoral assembly on Friday, 4th May 2018. The event was well attended by 40 parishioners.
Jamalkhan church is situated at the heart of Chittagong Metropolitan city on 18, Jamalkhan Road. The first church in Jamalkhan was blessed and inaugurated on 8 December 1600 AD by Martyr Rev. Fr. Francesco Fernandez, SJ which was one among the first four churches built in Bangladesh in 1600 AD.
Vicar General of Chittagong Archdiocese Rev. Fr. Gordon Dias was present in the assembly
as the guest of honor. The assembly begun with a Bible enthronement program. After a short introduction session, the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Cyprian Pinto, SVD inaugurated the assembly. Rev. Fr. Gordon Dias also delivered a speech depicting the ‘Year of Mission’ announced by the Chittagong Archbishop Most Rev. Moses M. Costa, CSC on the occassion of 5th centenary jubilee of evangelization in Chittagong. Representative from five pastoral wards of the parish presented about their life in the community and urged for more orientation and activities to activate small Christian community at the ward level.
Judicial Coordinator of Chittagong Archdiocese Rev. Fr. Leonard C. Rebeiro presented paper on ‘Role and participation of Laity in the Church’. He emphasized on significant marks of a parish and compared with the reality of Jamalkhan with adequate proposals for development.
Pastoral Coordinator of Chittagong Archdiocese Mr. Manik Willver D’Costa presented his keynote speech on the annual pastoral theme ‘Pilgrimage of faith in 500 years: Heritage- Celebration- Renewal’. He explained on the rich heritage of Church in Chittagong, spiritual and development aspects since the inception and new journey of the mission of the Church with renewed hope.
The parishioners reflected some times to finalize the parish pastoral plan. They have decided to organize four formation programs for the couples, children, youth and teachers. The teachers’ seminar will be an inter-religious program. A detailed plan will be undertaken by the parish pastoral council to implement the proposals. The parish will also work to activate the small Christian communities at the ward level.
The assembly ended with an Eucharistic celebration officiated by Rev. Fr. Cyprian Pinto, SVD and Rev. Fr. Gordon Dias.
Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Cyprian Pinto, SVD; SMRA Sisters and Pastoral Council coordinated the day long program.
