As reported by ZMB communications department:
Lusaka (ZAMBIA) 10-14/04/2013.- ANNUAL RETREAT FOR SALESIANS PARTICIPATING IN THE VII PROVINCIAL CHAPTER.
Fr. Sahaya Selvam SDB from AFE Province has directed the first annual retreat of ZMB Vice-Province after an invitation from Fr. George Chalissery [Provincial Superior of ZMB]. The retreat took place at the provincial house in Lusaka.The retreat facilitator, Fr. Selvam, PhD in Psychology of Religion, shared wonderful thoughts on ministry, mission and the personal experience with Jesus Christ. He insisted on the need of a personal encounter with Jesus as the basis of any ministry. Fr. Selvam also presented some dynamics which -if overlooked- normally threaten any ministry.
The seven-step-retreat presented by Fr. Selvam helped the participants to get in touch with themselves and reality. In some of his talks, the facilitators emphasized the idea of moving towards a closer relationship with God in Jesus as […]
Author: selvam
Sermon for 4th Sunday in Eastertide – Cycle C Homily
4th Sunday of Easter – Year C
I am known to the Shepherd (Jn 10:27-30)
With the increasing urban life, young people of today might think, oranges are just churned out of factories. The only fruits that they may be familiar with are: Apple products, Black-berries and Orange-mobile phone! And with new techniques of farming and animal husbandry, the image of the shepherd may become a by-gone figure.
Today, the 4th Sunday of Easter is celebrated as the Good Shepherd Sunday. We think of the ‘pastoral’ love of God, as we also pray for vocations to priesthood; priests are the ‘pastors’ of the church. Each year, for the gospel reading, we hear one part of John 10. This year, being Year C, we listen to the third part of that chapter. Today, Jesus says, “I know them and they know me; and […]
Commentary on the Liturgy of Easter Vigil
Commentary on Liturgy and Readings
EASTER VIGIL
INTRODUCTION
Dear friends in Christ,
Good evening and welcome to this liturgical celebration.
In the Christian tradition, this night is the mother of all nights. We have prepared ourselves through 40 days of lent for this night. In the past three days we have accompanied the Lord in His passion and death. We are gathered here to celebrate His resurrection. Tonight is the climax of the history of redemption. It is this celebration that was the first to be celebrated in the early church. The liturgy of Easter vigil is full of symbols; it is a feast to all our senses, and we welcome you to taste it with your hearts.
The liturgy of tonight has four parts:
1. Liturgy of the Light,
2. Liturgy of the Word
3. Liturgy of Blessing of Water and Baptism
4. Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Now the lights in the church will be turned off to signify the […]
Commentary on the Liturgy of Good Friday
Good Friday
Passion of Our Lord – Commentary
Introduction
Dear friends in Christ Jesus, on this day, which is called the Good Friday, we commemorate the passion and death of the Lord. According to the Church’s ancient tradition, the sacraments are not celebrated today or tomorrow. Today’s liturgy calls for silence and contemplation. This special liturgy has three parts:
The Liturgy of the Word
Veneration of the Cross, and
Holy Communion
PART I – LITURGY OF THE WORD
Now we are about to start the first part of our service: The liturgy of the Word. The priest(s) together with the ministers of the altar, wearing red garments, proceed to the altar. The priest will then prostrate in front of the altar to commemorate the hour when Jesus gave up his spirit. We will all kneel in silence during that moment. For now, please stand to welcome the procession.
First Reading: Is 52:13-53:12
The first reading from prophet Isaiah is […]
The First Words of Pope Francis
The First Words of Pope Francis[SS1]
(Unworthy Comments by Sahaya G. Selvam, sdb)
(Shyly waves one hand. Stands still for long time. His eyes on the people in the front rows[SS2] .)
Brothers and sisters, good evening[SS3] !
You know that it was the duty of the Conclave to give Rome a Bishop[SS4] . It seems that my brother Cardinals have gone to the ends of the earth to get one… but here we are… I thank you for your welcome. The diocesan community of Rome now has its Bishop. Thank you! And first of all, I would like to offer a prayer for our Bishop Emeritus, Benedict XVI. [SS5] Let us pray together for him, that the Lord may bless him and that Our Lady may keep him[SS6] .
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
And now, we take up this journey: Bishop and People. [SS7] This journey of the Church […]