The concluding ceremony of Christian Unity Octave was conducted on 25th January 2024 at 6.30 pm in the seminary chapel. Rev. Ribin John the Executive Secretary for Ecumenical Fora-National Council of Churches of India was the preacher for the prayer service. “You shall love the Lord your God…and your neighbour as yourself” (Luke. 10:27) was the theme for unity octave for this year. Bro. Michael was the MC for the program. The prayer service began with a hymn to the Holy Spirit. Fr. Charles OP explained about the purpose and relevance of the event. After the Gospel reading Rev. Ribin broke the word of God. He spoke about the parable of Good Samaritan. He began with a question that “To whom we are a friend indeed?” He summarised his whole preaching with three key points which would help us to become a good friend in need;
1) Be a radical friend.
2) Love others unconditionally.
3) Be unconvensional in your friendship.
After the prayer service Fr.Aquin Noronha OP, the rector, expressed his gratitude towards Rev. Ribin and all the representatives from different denominations for accepting our invitation and his thought provoking reflection. There were around twenty members from different denominations and Fathers and Brothers from different study houses and sisters present for the event. Fr. Aquin felicitated the chief guest with a shawl and a gift. Bro. Donald delivered the vote of thanks. It was followed by a recessional hymn sung by the choir. The whole program was concluded with fellowship meal.
