On the 26th February, as we the Vedrunas were celebrating our 199th year of the foundation day, the diocese of Baroda marked this day with Sudhanya Mahasamelan of women, on the occasion of Nuncio’s Apostolic visit.
Bishop Seby, Bishop of Baroda, in collaboration with the women commission, had organized this mahasamelan (a great gathering) for women. 3500 women from seven deaneries of the diocese with their animators (sisters) attended this meeting. The theme of the samelan was Sudhanya, meaning “blessed”. The aim of the gathering was to bring everyone together in synodality. Nuncio was welcomed by the group with a dance.
We began the samelan with a solemn Eucharist presided over by Apostolic Nuncio and the Bishop of Baroda. More than fifty priests of the diocese con-celebrated the Eucharist. Over 150 sisters of different congregations of the diocese and 150 Parish council members also participated in the Eucharist. The Theme of the Mass was Jesus, the living water: the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman, to whom he asks for a drink and who is changed by that encounter, was enacted during the Mass.
After the lunch, each deanery was given ten minutes to present a skit on the Bible characters. The women from Unai presented the skit on Ruth. Ruth is an example of character, courage and faith. She takes big risks and embodies what it means to be faithful. Our women brought out these qualities of Ruth through their performance.
From the south Gujarat region, our five communities (Bardipada, Subir, Pimpri, Ahwa & Unai) working in Baroda Diocese participated with a good number of women in this mega and unique event. This samelan was a significant event for our women. They were surprised to see so many women coming together in faith and they were very happy to be part of this mahasamelan.
The Apostolic Nuncio also met the Parish priests with two parish council members. This meeting lasted for more than two hours, and included a round of questions and answers. He also met the sisters and Priests who were present there. During this session Nuncio was asked many different questions regarding the mission Apostolate and its challenges.
