6th Sunday of the Word of God

Report : Sr. Pauline Pereira, SSpS, Aayog Member

Date : 9th February 2025.

In the year 2019, Pope Francis invited the Church to celebrate on the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Times as the Sunday of the Word of God. This year this it would be 6th Sunday of the Word and it fell on 26th January. Due to Republic Day celebration and other events, we could not conduct this special liturgy. So the Holy Bible (Pavitr Pushak) Aayog under the direction of Mr. Lawrence Correa the Coordinator of the Aayog organized the liturgy on 9th February during the main Mass at 8 am.

The Banner for the day was displayed in the Church which depicted the theme for this day I hope in your Word (Ps. 119:74). This Bible Text is linked to the Jubilee year 2025 logo, Pilgrims of Hope. Below the altar a well decorated place was prepared for the Word of God, with flowers, plants and candles.

Enthronement of the Bible: A very fitting introduction explaining the meaning of this day was given before the Eucharist. The entrance procession before the Mass began with the Choir singing a hymn on the importance of the Word of God in our lives. Bible Aayog members together with the priest walked in procession carrying the Cross, lighted candles, and the Bible. Each member carried a Rose. Coordinator, Mr. Lawrence Correa placed the Bible on the stand already prepared. Each Member offered a Rose. The main celebrant of the Eucharist, our Parish Priest, Fr. Jerome Monteiro, honoured the Word of God, with a jasmine garland.

During the Eucharist, Fr. Jerome highlighted the importance of the Word of God in our lives. He invited us to read daily the Word of God, meditate on it and allow our lives to be shaped by the Living Word. Our Parish Choir chose most fitting hymns for the occasion and added to the devotion and veneration. During the prayer of the faithful, we prayed that the entire people of God may read the Word of God with trust and hope, take time to ponder it and apply it to our daily living.

We hope and pray that this celebration has motivated at least some of us to continue our journey as Pilgrims of Hope with deep conviction I hope in your Word.

Photographs by : Avil Nazareth, ICYM President.