The Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate (DCBA) of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, southwest India, hosted a day-long Bible Convention on March 8, bringing together clergy, religious, and lay faithful for reflection on the Eucharist.
The convention was held at the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Retreat Centre in Cruz Milagres, Old Goa, on the theme “The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Christian Life.”
Fr. Mariano D’Costa, director of the DCBA, welcomed the participants. The solemn enthronement of the Bible set a prayerful tone for the gathering.
In his keynote address, Bishop Simião Fernandes, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, spoke on “The Eucharist as Source and Summit: Its Biblical Roots in the Old Testament.” Using the acronym “R.O.O.T.S.” Remembrance, Offering, Oblation, Table in the Wilderness, and Sacred Covenant Meal, he explained how the history of Israel prepared for Christ’s gift of the Eucharist.
He reminded the faithful that the Eucharist, the “source and summit” of Christian life, is an encounter with the living Christ who nourishes and unites His people.
Resource person Fr. Macson Fernandes reflected on “Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist: The Eucharist in the New Testament.” Drawing from passages such as John 6:51–71, the institution of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26–28), the Emmaus narrative (Luke 24:30–31), and St. Paul’s teaching (1 Corinthians 11:27–30), he highlighted the biblical foundations of the Church’s faith in the Eucharist.
He encouraged the faithful to deepen their conviction in Christ’s real presence and to receive Holy Communion with devotion and reverence. He also urged families to pass on faith in the Eucharist to their children and invited believers to witness to this mystery of faith through charity and dialogue with separated Christian brethren.
Fr. Edson Fernandes, parish priest of St. Cajetan’s Church, Assagão, and visiting professor at Rachol Seminary, spoke on “Word and Eucharist: One Act of Worship.” He explained that the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist together form a single act of worship.
“The Eucharist is a meal. Jesus nourishes us at the Table of the Word and the Table of the Eucharist,” he said. Referring to Acts of the Apostles 2:42, he noted that early Christian life centered on apostolic teaching, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread.
Participants were later led into a time of Eucharistic Adoration by Fr. Peter Britto and shared testimonies on “How the Eucharist Has Touched Our Lives.” Magno Menezes led a praise and worship session.
Fr. Henry Falcão, director of the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, reflected on “The Eucharist – At the Heart of the Church’s Life and Mission.” He said the Eucharist summarizes the Christian journey and the Paschal Mystery of Christ, calling believers to lives of love, sacrifice, and service.
The convention concluded with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Mariano D’Costa.
Ivy Ferrão anchored the day’s program, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Shuban DeSouza.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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