Diocesan Service of Communion (DSC) 

“Today, one thing ends, and another begins. A new stage of this journey is beginning. A stage marked by communion between all the members of the charismatic family, in which the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit is manifested for the good of the entire Church. A presence that makes each one equal, since each has been born of the same Spirit: great and small, old and young, engaged on the worldwide or locallevels, all form a whole that is always greater than the part.” (Pope Francis, 8 June 2019)

THE IMPACT OF THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL(CCR) IN THE DIOCESE OF MANGALORE

In 1975, the inaugural Charismatic Retreat led by the late Fr. Rufus Pereira, Sr. Bernardine, and Mr. Evertt Perry at St. Agnes College, Mangalore, marked the genesis of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the region. Subsequently, a vibrant prayer group emerged, gathering students, religious sisters, and lay individuals on a regular basis.

The subsequent years witnessed a series of Growth Programmes at St. Agnes College and St. Aloysius College, orchestrated by Fr. Fio Mascharenhas SJ, Fr. Rufus Pereira, and Fr. Marcelino Iragui OCD. These programs led to the formation of another prayer group at St. Aloysius College.

A significant milestone occurred in 1978 with the first-ever Konkani Charismatic retreat conducted by Fr. Francis Rebello SJ at Beja Parish, drawing 250 participants. This event catalyzed the growth of the Charismatic Renewal in Mangalore, resulting in the establishment of a Konkani prayer group. Parishes in Mangalore and Udupi, inspired by this success, invited Fr. Francis Rebello SJ and his team to conduct Charismatic Retreats, leading to the expansive launch of the CCR into the parishes.

In 1979, the Mangalore Service Team (MST) was formed under the spiritual leadership of Fr. Lawrence Castelino SJ, playing a pivotal role in guiding and supporting Prayer Groups in the Diocese, ensuring fidelity to Catholic teachings. With the advent of the Pota Ministry from Kerala, a fresh wave of the Holy Spirit rejuvenated Christian and family life, touching the lives of thousands across Mangalore diocese. Mega Conventions, Night Vigils, and various retreats organized by successive Service Teams resulted in the formation of approximately 50-60 prayer groups in different languages.

Essential ministries such as Preaching, Healing & Deliverance, Counselling, and Music emerged alongside Leadership Formation and Social Outreach Programmes, fostering the overall growth of the CCR. The establishment of three retreat centres - Divine Call Centre (Mulki), Fatima Retreat House (Jeppu), and Divine Mercy Retreat Centre (Bejai) - significantly contributed to the widespread dissemination of the CCR into parishes, homes, and communities.

The diligent efforts of the late Fr. Francis Rebello SJ and Spiritual Directors like Fr. Valerian Frank, Late Fr. Cyprian Coelho, Fr. Nelson Pinto OCD, and Fr. Andrew D’ Souza played a crucial role in nurturing and guiding the CCR. The CCR expresses enduring gratitude to Fr. Basil Vaz, Fr. Alban D’Souza, Fr. Abraham D’ Souza, Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Br. T. K George, and others for their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm in building the Kingdom of God through the CCR.

Diverse Initiatives of the CCR in Mangalore Diocese Include:

1. Retreat Centres and Teams:

   - Operation of three Retreat Centres with dedicated teams.

2. Social Action Initiatives:

   - Prison Ministry: Outreach to prisoners.

   - Sion Ashram: Comforting the mentally challenged and destitute.

   - Snehalaya: Rehabilitation of beggars and social outcasts.

   - White Dove’s Ashram: Providing shelter to the less fortunate.

3. Eucharistic Adoration:

   - Round-the-clock Eucharistic Adoration for the last 20 years at Fatima Retreat House, engaging 300 CCR members.

4. Adoration Chapels:

   - Construction of Adoration Chapels in several parishes and religious houses, attracting individuals to spend time in prayer.

5. Media Initiatives:

   - Operation of a non-commercial TV Channel dedicated to faith formation.

6. Publications:

   - Regular publication of materials fostering ongoing spiritual growth.

The CCR acknowledges and appreciates the constant encouragement, support, and guidance provided by late Bishop Basil D’Souza and the present Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, as well as the current Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldhana. Their unwavering commitment has been instrumental in the continuous success of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Diocese of Mangalore.