Small Christian Communities told to practice forgiveness, love enemies

Kolkata’s Behala parish in the Indian state of West Bengal gathered its Small Christian Communities (SCCs) at the Infant Jesus Church on February 20.

The parish’s nine SCC groups, namely Emmaus, St. Faustina, Emmanuel, Divine Grace, St. Teresa, St. John, Infant Jesus Colony, St. Veronica, and St. Paul, joined in the celebration.

Father Patrick Rodrigues, the parish priest of Infant Jesus Church, stressed the virtues of love, peace, and forgiveness among one another during the eucharistic celebration.

“Find the ways to love our enemies, and make have peace among ourselves and also forgive the people who have sinned against us,” Father Rodrigues said, citing examples from the Biblical prayer: forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

The priest encouraged the SCC members to treat others as Jesus loved us: love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) and as the Bible teaches us, “forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13).

“Therefore, if each one of us rectifies ourselves, our community and the entire world shall be an even better place to live in,” Father Patrick hopes for a better future. Father Rodrigues blessed the SCC groups and praised their efforts to build the parish community.

The priest talked about the significance of the Synod 2021-2023, where each separate parishioner has a specific duty towards “Communion, Participation and Mission,” which are the main pillars of a Synodal Church as proposed by Pope Francis.

Father Abhay Minj, the Assistant Priest of Infant Jesus Church, joined the eucharistic celebration.

With inputs from Disha Ghosal