PREMJYOTI

"May I pray for you ?"

THE PRAYER HALL

One evening a small group of Catholics was sitting with me, and we asked ourselves this

question: What can we do to proclaim the Good News?

An idea came up almost out of the blue. Thousands come to Mount Mary’s Basilica during the famous ‘Fair’. Could we do something for them? We contacted the rector of the Basilica, Msgr. Nereus Rodrigues and he kindly agreed to give us a room adjacent to the Basilica. We put up a simple board: “May I pray for you?” We were amazed at the response: hundreds came to be prayed over! Tracts and New Testament copies were kept at hand in case any one wanted one. Thus the initiative came into being – not planned by anyone in particular. Rather, it was the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to a small group.

Ever since then, every Sunday, a group of volunteers is present at the Basilica from 4.30 pm onwards to minister to any one, of any faith, who wishes to be prayed over, to talk over problems, etc. The outreach during the Fair continues year after year. We have streamlined our approach, but the aim is the same: to give the Good News of Jesus to all who wish.

                    Bishop Agnelo Gracias

          

                Devotees instinctively seek out Bishop Agnelo's blessings                                During the fair the prayer hall becomes a beehive of activity

           Senior co-coordinators help groups to draw inspiration & understand the new Testaments                      Free literature is easily available to all

                   A special area of prayer for those requests that seek it                                        The Power of Faith & Prayer needs to be experienced