“I will ask the Father and He will give you another helper who will stay with you forever. He is the Spirit who reveals the truth about God. You know Him because he remains with you forever” Jn 14:16-18
Jesus promised a helper to the disciples and it was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. Since then the church is under the control of the Spirit of Jesus. The Charismatic movement, under the control of the Holy Spirit, makes the church vibrant. Our Pope Francis says “this movement is the spring of the church”.
In many of the places in Mumbai, the migrant Catholics were keeping their prayer life lively by assembling together in small groups for prayer and proclamation of Faith. Now we can get information about these centers only from the people who were engaged in this service. Ghatkopar, Panthnagar, Sion, Salini Bhavan, Vikhroli Infant Jesus Church, Mahim St. Sebastian church, were the pioneering prayer Centres of todays Charismatic Movement of Kalyan Diocese. K. C. Jacob, Anthony Kannamthara, Cherian, Mathai Thomas, C V John, E V Joseph, M C Jose Manjackal Paulson, James Edayady, George Anchil, M K Jose and others were the leaders of the prayer groups.
Even though some prayer groups were started before the establishment of the Diocese of Kalyan in many parts of Mumbai, the Charismatic Movement became active and systematic after the inauguration of the Diocese of Kalyan. Groups of people came together under the leadership of Rev Fr. Mathew Kandasamkunnel and started prayer and proclamation of the Word of God in different places.
After the inauguration of our diocese, our former Bishop Mar Paul Chitilappilly gave whole-hearted cooperation and blessing to this movement. Rev Fr. Xavier Kanatt was appointed as a Director. By his effective leadership and guidance of 7 years, most of our parishes started prayer groups. A few conventions were also conducted. Mrs. George Anchil, T K Chako and Thankachan Philip worked as Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer respectively. During the years 2007 – 2009 Director Rev, Fr, Kuriakose Kalparampath and Asst Director Rev Fr Davis Tharakan were leading the service groups. From the year 2009 – 2012 the movement became so lively and enthusiastic under the leadership of Rev Fr. Shaibu Malethadathil along with Mr. M A Jose, Mr. Michael Alappatt, Mr. Sebastian Ainikkal as Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer respectively. During this period, prayer groups were started in more parishes and regular services were carried on.
Our beloved Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal is so much concerned about the spiritual growth of the Diocese and His Excellency considers these prayer services as a means for the same. His paternal blessings and enthusiasm is a boost for us.
On 7th May 2013 Rev. Fr. Jinto Edattukunnel was appointed as the Director of Charismatic movement in the Diocese. Fr. Kiran Eluvathingal is the Asst. Director. At present Fr. Anoop Poyyaniyil is the Director and Liju Keettikkal is the Assistant Director. The present Chairman Mr. Tomy Joseph, Secretary Pearly Sebastian and Treasurer C I John are working for this purpose under the effective leadership of the Director and Asst Director.
As a lasting memento of the Silver Jubilee of the diocese we have started “Kalyan Diocese Silver Jubilee Memorial ‘ one day retreat at ARC Panvel under the banner of KCCRS. It is being conducted on every 4th Saturday of each month. Eminent and experienced preachers are conducting the retreat. Many people are attending. Coming with heavy hearts, light hearted they return.
Praise the Lord.