Kolkata 15 May 2022 -With the Closing Holy Eucharist at the Diocesan Pre Synodal Assembly (DPSA) in Seva Kendra Calcutta (SKQ the curtain came down on months of animation, parish consultations and celebration in parishes across the archdiocese, in a process which began on October 17 2021 with Holy Mass at Cathedral of OL of the Most Holy Rosary,Kolkata. The concluding Mass began at 11.95 a.m., behind schedule, as it was decided to give more time to the intense and valuable sharing going on at the General Body meeting of Assembly. The main celebrant was Most Rev. Archbishop Thomas D'Souza, with con-celebrants Vicar General Fr Dominic Gomes Dean of North 24 Parganas Fr Henry Saldana, Director of SKC Fr Anthony Rodricks, and Contact Person for the Synod Fr.Michael Biswas. The entrance dance was performed by the Rainbow Girls. Archbishop in his Homily eloquently spoke on the transformation of the entire Church through synodality, as Priests, Consecrated Men, Women and Lay faithful journey together in communion, participation not Mission. s around us, but instead strengthen relationships with one another," said His Grace. He also spoke about the forthcoming Novena to the Holy Spirit, the guiding force of synodality, and requested Parish Priests to have the Novena in the Parishes. In an aside, the Oath-taking ceremony of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Executive Committee of the diocese was included within the service. The young new diocesan ExCo were overwhelmed to take their members. Near the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, Fr Michael Biswas called upon Fr Dominic Gomes to give the Vote of Thanks and the Vicar General obliged; first thanking the Archbishop for his interest in pursuing a synodal church and his constant support. He thanked the Diocese Synod Team Members by individually taking their names and praised them for their effort, dedication put together in conducting and organising the synod process at various levels, in parishes and elsewhere. He thanked Fr Anthony Rodridc for very generously agreeing to have the two day DPSA at Seva Kendra, and for the wonderful hospitality experienced. Fr Michael Biswas, the Diocese Contact Person, was thanked by Vicar General on his commendable efforts in to ma. the Synod a success with the Diocesan Synodal Team. Mr. Farrell Shah, Director of Social Communications, was thanked for preparing the Synod Consultation Toolkit, etc. and other media initiatives to make the synodal process alive. Mr. Ajoy Chaudhuri was also thanked for his contribution to animations in parishes and the Relator, Ms. Anancia Fernandes for coordinating the huge task of synthesing into a concise document the huge number of interventions sent by parishes. Many others were also thanked, as the VG did a thorough job of including each and every one, not the least being the Synod Members present. After the Eucharistic Celebration, a group photograph with all synod participants was taken followed by a sumptuous celebration Lunch before departure.
