ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

The Role of the Family in Faith Formation

(One Day Symposium on Family Apostolate)

SAC organized its Annual Symposium in collaboration with Regional Theology Center (RTC) Tarunoday on the theme: “The Role of the Family in Faith Formation” on 21^st August, 2014 from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm. Different Theological Colleges in Ranchi – Naween Doman Theological College, Gossner Theological College, Habakkuk Theological College, Regional Theology Center (RTC) Tarunoday, Faculty of Theology Ranchi (SAC), other formation and religious houses partook in it.

The symposium began with the Lighting of the lamp by, His Eminence Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo, Chief Resource person – Dr. Fr. Davis George, representatives of different theological colleges and institutions. The SAC choir sang the welcome song and the President of the college, Dr. Fr. Suman K. Ekka welcomed the guest. Dr. Fr. Vincent Toppo, the specialist in ‘Marriage Encounter’ in Ranchi introduced Dr. Fr. Davis George.

Dr. Fr. Vincent Toppo, introducing the speaker

Dr. Fr. David Bara: introducing the dynamics of the symposium

Dr. Fr. David Bara, the Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Ranchi and the Professor of Canon Law, by giving the background for the symposium introduced the dynamics of the symposium in the following words:

In the month of October, 2014, the Synod of Bishops will meet at Vatican on the theme “Family”. The Synod will discuss the “pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization.” Most of us are aware that the very concept of marriage is being challenged today in the world. The synod will face a number of questions and issues such as marriage according to natural law, pastoral care in certain difficult marital situations, education of children in irregular marriages etc. The news of the Synod has raised hopes that His Holiness, Pope Francis may be considering a change in the Church’s pastoral practices in a number of areas. In this context and backdrop, it was felt apt to have a symposium on family.

Two papers were presented in the morning by the chief resource person. They were: “The Role of Family in Faith Formation,” and “The Pastoral Care of the Family Today.”  Before the second paper the floor was divided into seven groups and each group was given three questions to discuss based on the first talk delivered. After the tea break the groups came forward and presented their report. Dr. Fr. Selva Raj, the Dean of Philosophy chaired this session.

Dr. Davis George

Dr. Davis George

Dr. Davis George

Dr. Davis George

At the end of these two sessions, His Eminence Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo, the patron of SAC and the Archbishop of Ranchi Archdiocese addressed the gathering. In his address he said, “We have built big structures — schools, buildings, places of prayer. But we have not built a community. And to build up a community, the starting point is the family, which, in this age of commercialization, is fast disintegrating. We need to re-dedicate ourselves, as priests and servants of God, to protect family and family values.”

This was followed by delicious lunch. Deacon Appunraj, the MTh student was the Master of the Ceremony till the lunch. Scholastic Rajesh Sandil, from RTC Tarunoday was the Master of the Ceremony for the remaining session.

Dr. Fr. John Crasta: Chairing a session

Afternoon session began with the ‘clarification and questions on the 2^nd paper’ and the session was chaired by Dr. Fr. John Crasta, the Registrar of the institution. This was followed by the ‘Panel Discussion’ and the session was chaired by Dr. Fr. Francis Minj, the dean of Theology, RTC. Along with him were Dr. Davis, Fr. James Dung Dung (Parish Priest, Kokar Parish), Mr. Christopher and his wife Mrs. Angela (Couple who initiated Marriage encounter courses in Ranchi and has been continuing this for over 30 Years). People came up with various queries, doubts and problems. Panelists elegantly answered them with their personal and practical knowledge.

Mr. Christopher, Mrs. Angela, Dr. Fr. Francis Minj
Dr. Davis George and Fr. James Dung Dung:
at the panel discussion

The symposium ended with the Thanks giving by Dr. Fr. Joseph Prasad Pinto, the Rector of the institution. Over four hundred people participated in the symposium.

Report by,

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

Telegraph and Dainik Bhaskar report

Dainik Bhaskar:    http://epaper.bhaskar.com/ranchi/109/22082014/jarkhand/1/

Dainik Bhaskar,
Friday, 22 August 2014

Telegraph: Emphasis on family values

Report: RUDRA BISWAS http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140822/jsp/jharkhand/story_18746557.jsp#.U_av8sWSwwo

The Roman Catholic Church on Thursday stressed on the need for developing “life skills” and inculcating values in the young generation to tackle issues like domestic violence, incest, lack of loyalty amongst married couples etc. and expressed its willingness to train men and women to lead better lives. Also, the church underlined the importance of the institution of family and family values to create better citizens for tomorrow. “We have built big structures — schools, buildings, places of prayer. But we have not built a community. And to build up a community, the starting point is the family, which, in this age of commercialisation, is fast disintegrating. We need to re-dedicate ourselves, as priests and servants of God, to protect family and family values,” Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo told a gathering at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi. He was speaking at a symposium on “The Role of Family in faith formation”. Addressing the audience, Father Davis George, director, St. Aloysius Institute of Technology, Jabalpur, said family was the first place where people learnt the meaning of life. “Today, the family faces toxic pressures from a consumer-driven and media-oriented culture. The tragic death of Robin Williams, the Oscar winning actor who committed suicide earlier this month apparently due to loneliness and depression, is a case in point. The deceased actor was a celebrity but his fame could not save his life,” he added. George further said the primary task of the church was to proclaim the beauty of love and faith in family, prevent marriages from breaking and avert a society having children and youths with shattered dreams. Later speaking to The Telegraph, George pointed out that more effective steps were required to protect families, apart from spreading the love of God for men, women and children. Children are often left alone at home in the care of hired help, as parents go out to work. As a result, the children suffer from loneliness, depression, often turning violent at the slightest pretext. The end result is domestic violence, lack of faith, break up of families and extra-marital affairs, he added. “Merely bringing people to the church on Sundays is not enough. We need to organise training programmes, marriage encounters, counselling sessions for young people to impart fidelity, communication skills and techniques on how to lead better lives. We need to tell parents to give more time to their children and families,” he said.