The laity vowed to contribute their share in the mission of Catholic Church.

“Moy Dhuniya kre enjot hekho” (I am the light of the world) Chanting in one voice, the faithful gathered at Rajagangpur parish grounds, Rourkela, Odisha, on the occasions of the closing of the Laity Year.

Rajagangpur belongs to the Diocese of Rourkela, with 11 parishes and a number of substations. The day was marked by a creative and meaningful Eucharist celebration and honoring of the selected Lay representatives from each parish.

In his homily Fr. Suresh Minz, the secretary of Rajagangpur Deanery, emphasized on the mission of laity received through the sacraments. Quoting from Vatican II, he said “any one who is baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church is a missionary”. Highlighting that Jesus himself was a laity, he said that Christ’s values of love, service and unity should be the driving forces of every Christian. He also pointed out that the mission of laity begins at home, as a living witness of mercy, kindness, sincerity and justice in ones own neighborhood.

It was also an occasion of reminding the faithful regarding their vital role in universal Church. Taking the theme of the Laity Year ‘You are the Light of the World’ Fr. Valentine Surin SVD, the Dean of Rajagangpur deanery reaffirmed the gathering saying “Laity is the Bearer of light of Christ; each one is a priest, prophet and king”.

Rajagangpur Deanery has the highest Catholic Population in Odisha. An industrial town, in and around Rajagangpur, the people could avail better education facilities. This Tribal populated region has many added feathers to its cap. There are number of people holding important civil offices and Mr. Libnus Kindo IAS(Rtd) is a proud son of the soil. The laity leadership is prominent in the diocese with different associations and active participation.

The air at the venue had a jubilant mood. The crowd numbered about 5000 with each parish having their representatives ferried in. The celebration wore a different look as the Priests and Sisters played the host. With drums and the traditional dance they escorted the laity leaders to the arena.

The entire liturgy was shared among the religious of different parishes, and the cultural extravaganza made the people feel important as was expressed by many of the participants. Mr Libnus Kindo, IAS (Rtd) commented that “today we felt that we are equals in the Church, not less than the Clergy nor higher to them”. The concerns of the Odisha church was also mentioned. Mr. Bijay Soreng the President of Catholic Sabha highlighted the recent developments in Odisha, both boons and banes, and appealed to his fellow faithful to be a missionary- as a witness and as preacher.

Besides the Deanery celebration, each Parish will have a day scheduled for the closing ceremony in the coming month.

Source: Tessy, SSpS

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