Alexis Nayak sscc gives us an account (in the 1st person) of his pastoral experience in the Ludru mission this Christmas.
Made myself available to assist Fr. Subal Francis and our regent Brother Vishal Khute with the Christmas ministry in St. Damien Parish in Ludru. Traveled from Bhubaneswar by bus -a night journey- about 6 hours bus ride. Brother Arockia Vanathaiyan -a theology scholastic- joined the pastoral community as part of his Christmas ministry experience during his Christmas break from his theology school in Barrackpore-Kolkata. Since the parish is composed mostly of rural villages, Subal and I took interest to visit a few villages on the eve of Christmas, celebrated mass and heard confessions, and listened to the stories of life and faith realities - very motivating yet challenging indeed from the point of view of pastoral ministry. However, their faith and determination keep the hope alive - that something good will come and something beautiful will happen. For a pastor and minister of the sacraments, they all the more make him passionate and feel motivated.
On Christmas eve, celebrated the night vigil Eucharist with a community of faith gathered from four different villages in Bondhaguda (one of three groups in the parish). In the biting cold, people gathered to celebrate the joy of Christ's birth. It was commented, more people gathered this year for the celebration than previous years. Perhaps, a sign of positive difference being made in the pastoral care of people since the Ludru Mission was declared an established parish in July 2018.
On Christmas day, celebrated Eucharist in the parish village Ludru itself. Again, a church-full faithful gathered to celebrate with great joy the birth of Jesus. Being animated by Bros. Arockia and Vishal, the youth were an active participants in decoration, preparing crib and leading the choir. After the mass, a few ladies came to greet me and said many positive things about the homily of the day and the way they live out their faith since the village became an established parish. Again, a sign of making a difference in the lives of people through our pastoral care. We can do more with our caring pastoral care as did our Good Father Coudrin wherever he was called to serve and he did that with that total passion and zeal for Mission.
It was very heartening to see Bro. Arockia - a Tamilian by origin and culture - but he has been excellent in adapting himself so well to the local language and customs of people. He can even equally join with the professional local drum players.
Ludru Mission is in need of small village chapels where the village community of faith can gather together for prayers and worship. Most villages gather for prayers and worship either under a make shift temporary structure or under a tree.
01/01/2019