The Minutes of the last English Academy
meeting on 12th September 2014
The
third English academy was held on 12th September 2014 in the Allan
Audio Visual Hall at 10.40 am by invoking the presence of
God by Bro. SushilDungdung. Fr. Sylvester Toppo the moderator welcomed the
group and introduced the new President Bro. James D Sangma. Bro. James took
over the session and announced the theme of the day “Family in the light of
Church and Society’ and then gave a brief introduction about the Chair Person
Rev. Sr. Lilly Perumpethkunnel FMA. After that the time was allotted to choose
the new Secretary for the academy. Sr. Rosalia RDNM was being announced as the
new Secretary of the English Academy for the year 2014-2015.
The
former secretary Br. Joseph Roy OCD read out the minutes of the last academy
and gave it to the chair person for the approval after register was officially
handed over to the new secretary. The chair person gave an introduction on the
theme and called upon the speakers to present their paper.
Br.
Stephen Arockiadas began the introduction with two important points they are:
the announcement of the Pope Francis extra ordinary synod and the family by
united nation organization. This offers an opportunity to focus an attention on
the role of the families in development.
The
first point shared by Br. LepchaDonbosco was on theological development on
family. Like any other religious traditions, Christianity also wanted th3e
family to be a stable institution, providing all the basic needs to the members.
Christians also believe that marriage and family in the ordinary sense could be
affirmed and not abolished. He also explained that over the centuries family
unites faced with the both negative and positive movement.
Br.
AnupLekra enlightened the group on the aspect of pastoral care of the family.
He gave a brief introduction about who is the pastor and what are his duties.
Faith formation is the main teaching of the church, therefore the pastor should
educate himself first, because he can’t give others what he doesn’t have. He
also explained what are the different training that the parish should organize
to educate the faithful.
The
role of the family I education was shared by Br. Samir Minj. He shared that the
family is a group of persons who are related by marriage and blood. Family
plays an essential role in helping children in their moral and spiritual
development. Education also helps children to know the core values of the
faith, hope and love.
Br.
M. Jesu Raj presented his views on the role of parents in family. In this
presentation invited us to imagine as parents and explained the challenges of
parents in bringing up their children. He vividly showed us the real challenges
of the parents through a video clip. The video clip explained the reason for
the problem. That is absence of Biblical values in the family.
The
family has the special role in the life and in the mission of the church was
highlighted by Br. Remy Magimai Saran Raj. Focusing on the ecclesial task. He
said that one of the fundamental tasks of the Christian family is its ecclesial
task. Christian couples are to be consistent in their faith by the testimony of
their lives. Their unique mission is to help the members to be rooted in
Baptismal Promises.
As
a conclusion Br. Samuel Hembrom said that the family plays a vital role in
educating their children both morally and spiritually. With the changing of
time. Indian family also is changing in its structure, function and authority
pattern etc. Despite these changes the family continues to maintain its
kingship bonds and ties.
The
chair person thanked the presenters and invited the group for further
clarification. Few questions and suggestions were raised by the audience. They
are:
·
How can the
parents who are too busy could help their children?
·
The topic on
single parenthood could have been added etc..
·
Issues on gay
marriage or same sex marriage also was brought out in the discussion.
Then
the chair person in her short message shared about the mother of St. Don Bosco,
the role she played in his life.
Fr.
Sylvester Toppo took the opportunity to thank the chair person, the former
president and the secretary for their service.
Br.
James D. Sangma the president of the English Academy announced the date for the
next academy meeting and finally the session came to an end at 12.20 pm.
Secretary
Sr.
Rosalia
