On Sunday, the 26^th of September the Diocesan Centre for Lay Apostolate organized a day for professionals at Pilar Seminary. A good number of Christian professionals which included Doctors, Engineers, Advocates, professors and a quite good attendance of well known Entrepreneurs participated in the programme. The programme began with a prayer and welcome accorded by Fr. Daniel Pereira, the Director of the Laity Centre. Fr. Daniel in his welcome speech expressed his happiness at the presence of good number of professionals and spelled out the two fold purpose of the gathering namely, to impart the faith formation and to promote fraternal fellowship, coupled with professional networking.

Fr. Victor Ferrao spoke on the topic, “Science and Faith; a search for an intellectual and spiritual dialogue”.  He in his intelligent presentation stated that science & faith are not at wars but they can be reconciled to give a better meaning to life. Drawing inspiration from world renowned scientists and their works, he succeeded to bring home, the message that science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind.

Mr. Averthanus D’souza presented his paper on “Creating, Sustaining and Promoting Christian Conscience through Communication Media”. He himself being the regular writer for many newspapers and magazines shared his point of views on the prevailing influence of mass media communication on the society and even on religious beliefs and opinions. He reiterated the fact that media should accept the moral responsibility of forming and influencing the minds and point of views of the general public and therefore should make a violent effort to state the truth and nothing but the truth.

Mr. Joe Noronha shared his experience on the theme “Lay people take the Good News to the world”. He affirmed that every Christian needs to get imbued by the Goodnews and then through ones words and actions become the apostles of the kingdom of God. He then drew the attention to the fact that being lay faithful there is lot to contribute to the life and mission of the church.

The final presentation was done by Dr. Wiseman Pinto who spoke on “Value System and Health Risk for Profession today”. Dr.Wiseman enumerated a list of values that separate profession from professionalism.  These values he said are drawn from the very nature of professions and they are not been imposed on but rather they have evolved as a result of various demands and expectations, desired by the society.  Hence value system becomes part of the profession irrespective of any caste or creed. He highlighted loyalty to code of conduct, altruism and humility as the most desired values in profession. As far as health risks are concern, he said most professionals are prone to stress related diseases like heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension etc. Obesity is another common health disorders among professionals he stated. To combat these risks he suggested “De-stressing technique” which may include physical exercise as well as spiritual exercises like prayer and meditation.

Fr. Joseph Salema who moderated the penal discussions made the concluding remark and said all the deliberations done should lead us to live as an example of dynamic, convinced and enlightened faith.

Mr. Daryl Pereira spoke on behalf of “Dimensions” a forum of Professional and Entrepreneurs from Mumbai. He opined that there are great opportunities and advantages when we network with one another. He said that we may be individually rich but collectively poor and therefore “Dimensions” is one way by which we can be collectively rich.

The programme also included the Holy Eucharist which was celebrated by Fr. Nevel Gracias Assistant to the Director of Laity Centre.

The seminar concluded with the interactive session by Fr. Daniel Pereira and a proposal of vote of thanks by Sr. Nicacia Coutinho Sfn.

The whole programme was anchored by Dr. Reuben D’Souza.