Celebrating First Anniversary of SCC Hindi National Convention 2019

 ■ FR. DOMINIC COMES

Kolkata:Last year from 24-27 October the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta was teaming with activity hosting over 2500 delegates coming into Kolkata from 15 Dioceses to attend the SCC National Convention 2019. There is no doubt that the convention was a big success in many ways. even the heavy downpour on that threatened to drown the event on the lust day dried up as continuous prayers praise and worship went up to send the sun out the next day. Behind the success of such a big event there is always a huge amount of sacrifice, hard work, and contribution that prevails with perseverance of the people involved who are far too many to be mentioned here. Undoubtedly the event manifested and was a witness to the spirit of unity within the Church and highlighted the importance of family - the Domestic Church in fulfilling the prophetic role of the Church.Moreover as one Religious Sister put it. It was so exciting and such a great joy to be working together with so many people for the success of such a great event. It was to recount and uphold this spirit funny and great joy that the Archdiocese celebrated the first anniversary of the convention with a day's program on Sunday the 15 November 2020 across all parishes of  Archdiocese.

All the various celebrations started with Holy Mass in the morning wish an entrance procession holding up the Bible accompanied by prayerful dance and singing and veneration of the Bible. After this in many Parishes a short animation preceded the SCC leaders presenting reports of the enonnous spiritual and temporal words done by SCC units during the dire times of the COVID -19 Pandemic and catastrophic aftermath of Super-Cyclone AMPHAN to help the most needy and poor families, elderly people and children in their neighbouring communities, Tasteful, colourful and entertaining cultural programs showcasing the talents of young and old alike culminated with thanksgiving and fellowship meals. For these celebrations too a great amount of effort was again expended by many people Laity, clergy and Religious under challenging conditions of pandemic restrictions. Encouragement by Archbishop Thomas D'Souza and led by Diocesan Secretary of the SCC Commission Fr. Dominic Gomes, animators and SCC members were holding regular meetings mostly online to guide and iron out every detail of the celebration program months in advance.