Braving the pandemic to continue sharing the message of the Gospel, the Daughters of St. Paul of India organized an 8-day online course based on the book Sermon on the Mount by Scripture professor Fr. Harry A. Vaz. The contents of the book are gleaned from his memorable pastoral experiences. Speaking about the background of the book, he writes: “I recalled the confessions of my people, my accompaniment of children and youth…. I found human care and anxiety in Jesus’ message…. This volume is the testament of my life…to look at the bright side at the end of the dark tunnel.”
58 participants from across India, as well as the United States, Malaysia and Dubai, participated in the online course, which was held twice a week from mid-August to mid-September, 2021. Two of Fr. Harry’s former students, Bishop Dominic Savio, Auxiliary Bishop of the Mumbai Archdiocese, and Bishop Barthol Barretto, were guests of honor on the program.
Sr Joeyanna D’Souza, one of the organizers of the initiative, said: “The Sermon on the Mount is an important part of Jesus’ teachings. Our Pauline charism is to proclaim the Gospel but our outreach to schools and parishes came to a standstill during the pandemic. The online platform became an open door to continue our mission.”
