BBN - E-Ministry, a Boon to Church

E-Ministry, a Boon to Church

BBN in Smart companion 2011

All that he has is a small computer with a slow Internet connection.Sometimes he has to wait for hours to upload,and yet Vijay Mcwan’s zeal drives him. All those who have an I-connection in and around his parish keenly look out for his postings on the blog-spot http://vijaymacwan.blogspot.com/. The Bhumel Broadcast News –BBN relayed here is his attempt at catechizing. “I started this website because I want to do something for God and people. I bring news and events to all through my website.

 It does cost but I feel immense joy to spread the Good News in my own way - my e ministry. I want to be a bridge between God and my people by sharing important news and events. I find the blog an effective way to reach out also to my Gujarati brothers and sisters who are away from home land,” Vijay Macwan sums up his vision. Once a Jesuit novice, he now works as a senior officer in a Call Centre in Ahmadabad, which sustains his family of wife and a school-going child. The 50 mile motor ride each day from his village to the office is no excuse for lack of time. Macwan, 35, is the sort of young man we wish catholic laymen to be. Although he could not make it as a priest, he continues to be a missionary. In his parish Macwan acts almost like a catalyst to Basic Ecclesiastical Community and his main tool, his website. Charismatic and dynamic, he speaks warmly of his parish, Bhumel, describing it as “the place where real Christianity is practiced even today.

  It is not exactly their activities and celebrations but their genuine concern for each other – for spiritual welfare, financial needs and support to women”. In the intense spiritual life of his parish, prayer, song and dance play an important role. Bhumel has produced many vocations - priests and nuns- to the Church. Vijay is happy to narrate how the parish has ensured to keep even small children active. Right from the start, they are helped to feel that they can make a significant contribution to the well being of their families and community. He animates a small group called Jagruti Bal Parivar (JaBaPa). “The children began their first ministry by conducting prayers in every house”, he says. JaBaPa has now extended its activities, assuming some liturgical responsibilities in the parish. conducting a Sunday school, arra Yet the life of the parish does not focus entirely on the children.

 There are approximately 350 Catholic adults, representing 55 families in an area where the total adult population is almost 4,000. Most of the people are Hindus, the ‘aborigines’ of the area who, in spite of their rich, vibrant and ancient culture, are still simple and educationally backward. “ It is not only Catholic information that I give in BHUMEL News, but all that helps to live a sane life. We cannot separate the spiritual and the material. My dream is to see my church ever more participatory. And to do that one must be in the know of what is happening and why it is happening. I also wish that people around us know that a Christian community exists here and that we practice faith in specific Gujarati ways.” Daily mass readings, current happenings in video format etc., posted on his site provide for the faithful to live enlightened lives. In fact, every Indian parish needs a ‘Vijay Macwan’ today!

G. Anoop Kumar

This was published in January 2011. Do note that now i have given myself fully for this e-ministry.