CFM NATIONAL CONVENTION 24

THE NATIONAL CONVENTION 2024

The National CFM Convention was held on November 29-30 and December 1st 2024, at St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Centre, Ella, Old Goa, bringing together members from across the country from the three regions of Bangalore, Goa and Mumbai, for a time of fellowship, reviewing, planning and renewal.

Day 1: Fellowship and Inspiration The convention began with registrations and a warm welcome over tea. Roshan and Sandhya led an engaging icebreaker session, filled with games and laughter, helping participants to get to know each other. The afternoon also included a solemn remembrance of deceased CFM members, followed by an inspiring talk by Cyril on "Going Beyond Boundaries-with the expansion of CFM”. A special photo shoot with the Auxiliary Bishop was the highlight of the day, followed by a beautiful Eucharistic celebration by the Auxiliary Bishop and CFM clergy.

Day 2:
AGM and serious Business
Session.
The second day of the convention was dedicated to the Annual General Meeting (AGM), where important business matters were discussed and key decisions were made.
1. ACCFM President Couple, Anita and Lukose Vallatharai, presented on The Involvement of CFM India.
2. Regional presentations were made by Bangalore, Goa, and Mumbai.
3. Financial matters, including expenses and deficits, were presented and discussed.
4. Proposed budget for 2025-2026 was presented for review.
5. Live demo of the CFM website with updates and tariffs were thoroughly discussed.
6. National President Suja presented the past year's achievements and future plans. 7. New members Terence and Sharmila shared their experience.
8. Discussion on recognising founder members and leaders, and chaplains' roles and responsibilities.

Action Items:
1. Collect and remit subscriptions from members by 30th June each year.
2. Arrange workshops for chaplains to understand their roles and responsibilities.
3. Prepare a committee to work on Enquiry booklets online.
4. Plan for the next ACCFM Convention in Singapore and ICCFM World Assembly in the Philippines.

Gratitude Session:
Suja and Kenneth thanked various individuals and teams for their contributions to the Convention.

Simultaneously a workshop for the youth and children in another hall, was conducted by F. Lawrence on St. Francis Xavier in India and the impact on Christianity. It was creatively structured in a quiz format, captivating the participants and fostering a deep connection with the life of the patron saint of Goa.

Close of AGM: The meeting ended with a fellowship arranged by the Goa team.

Day 3: Veneration of the Relic of St. Francis Xavier The convention concluded with a special veneration of the relic of St. Francis Xavier, a powerful reminder of our faith and heritage.

The National CFM Convention 2024 was a resounding success, marked by a sense of community, camaraderie, and spiritual renewal. We look forward to Convention 2025 in Mumbai!

The Editor, ”The Family Trove”
Sharon Francis D’Souza Thank you and God Bless, The National Board of CFM.