Family Movements of the Church Aspire for Collaboration Through Synodal Path

By Verghese Joseph –

Benaulim (Goa): In a landmark two-day event uniting various family movements and associations of the Catholic church in India, a resounding theme of collaboration and commitment to walking the synodal path with the church emerged.

Hosted under the auspices of the Family Commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the gathering convened at Shanti Sadan, Benaulim, in Goa on February 15 and 16, 2024.

Rev. Fr. Arul Raj Gali, CSC

The proceedings were skillfully moderated by Rev. Fr. Arul Raj Gali, CSC, Executive Secretary of CCBI’s Family Commission, with Dn Jaime & Ligia da Fonseca from Mumbai and Lukose and Anita Vallatharai from Bangalore serving as secretaries for the two-day event.

Fr. Aleixo Menezes

The event commenced with a Gospel reading by Mrs. Maclean Coutinho and a prayer by Mr. Elvis Coutinho, followed by an enlightening orientation talk delivered by Fr. Aleixo Menezes of the Goa Archdiocese. Fr. Menezes elaborated on the concept of the Synodal Church, its foundation in Scripture and Magisterium, and the integral role of family associations and movements in fostering synodality.

Subsequent presentations by leaders of various family movements provided insights into their respective endeavours and challenges:

Lukose and Anita Vallatharai

 

Kenneth and Elena Smith

Christian Family Movement (CFM): CFM Continental Leaders, Asia Presidents Lukose and Anita Vallatharai and India Leaders Kenneth and Elena Smith highlighted the movement’s mission to strengthen Christian values within families and its recognition of the family as the domestic church.

Lester and Jolenta

Engaged Encounter (EE): EE India leaders Lester and Jolenta Fernandes emphasised the importance of sacramental marriage and effective communication in building strong marital relationships.

Oliver and Annie Andrade

Worldwide Marriage Encounter: Presenters Oliver and Annie Andrade discussed the transformative impact of Marriage Encounter experiences on couples and the challenges of sustaining participation post-event.

Martin and Freeda Anthony

Couples for Christ (CFC): CFC India leaders Martin and Freeda Anthony outlined the organization’s extensive reach across India and its focus on fostering supportive communities through regular meetings and activities.

Jimmy Xavier and Maclean and Elvis Coutinho

Missionary Families of Christ (MFC): MFC Country Servant Jimmy Xavier underscored their commitment to evangelization and outreach, particularly among youth and in regional languages.

Lenny Baretto

Focolare – New Families: Focolare leaders Lenny and Sonia Baretto highlighted the movement’s focus on intimacy and mutual support within families, despite challenges such as member retention post-COVID.

Aubrey and Alzira Menezes

Retrouvaille: India leaders Aubrey and Alzira Menezes discussed Retrouvaille’s vital role in healing struggling marriages and the need to overcome language barriers in programme delivery.

Marlon and Diana D’Cruz

Crusaders for Jesus with Mary (CJM): CJM leaders Marlon and Diana D’Cruz outlined their mission to deepen Catholic faith among members and the challenges in media evangelization and leadership.

Jude Mangal Raj

Society of Vincent de Paul: President Jude Mangal Raj shared the society’s rich history of aiding the marginalised and its global expansion, underscoring the need for continued support and engagement.

Calvin Johnson

Jesus Youth: Representative Calvin Johnson highlighted the movement’s focus on empowering young Catholics and supporting families through spiritual enrichment.

Media Impact on Families: An insightful presentation by Verghese Joseph of Indian Catholic Matters on media’s influence on families emphasised the importance of countering false narratives and adopting proactive strategies.

Throughout the presentations, a common thread of missionary zeal and dedication to the Church’s mission was palpable. However, participants acknowledged the need for greater collaboration and support among family movements to address shared challenges effectively.

In response, Fr. Arul Raj Galli facilitated group discussions aimed at formulating actionable plans and recommendations for future endeavours. Emphasising the principles of synodality and servant leadership, participants pledged to work together to realise the collective vision of strengthening families and advancing the Church’s mission.

As the event concluded, attendees departed with renewed vigour and a shared commitment to walk the synodal path hand in hand, fostering communion, participation, and mission within the Latin church’s diverse family movements.