Bengaluru: The 12th Serra Annual Scripture Quiz was held on Saturday, August 6, 2016, at the Catholic Club. This year’s theme was ‘MERCY’ and the questions and visuals were from the Gospel according to St. Luke.

23 teams from 13 English medium Catholic Schools participated in the elimination written round. 12 qualifying teams took part in the 2 semi-final rounds with six teams advancing to the finals.

The compère was BrindaAbreo and the quiz was conducted by quizmaster Bobin John. The participants came well prepared and wowed the audience with their quick answers to the questions posed to them.

The winner of the 1stplace Rolling Trophy was Sacred Heart Girls High School. The winning team comprised of NavyaShaju, Anjali Catherine and Deanne D’Lima.

The 2nd and 3rdprize winners were St. Francis Xavier Girls High School and Sophia High School,who were also awarded a Rolling Trophy each. These winning teams with the team from Cluny Convent had a perfect score on their written test.

Sophia High School and St. Francis Xavier Girls High School had 2 teams each at the final round. The 6th Finalist was St. Claret School, which took part for the first time this year.

A special highlight of the day was the felicitation of His Grace Dr. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore. The Serrans presented the Archbishop with a Spiritual Bouquet and a purse, in honour of his 75th Birthday on 10thAugust, 2016. His Grace has been present to address and encourage the participants for every Serra Scripture Quiz. This year his message was to always listen, think and give God a chance. If He is calling you don't be afraid, he told the children.

Speaking on ‘Mercy’, he described it asGod’s Love and how we are all called to not condemn but show kindness. His Grace gently guided the children to think of ways in which they can do acts of mercy.

The participants were given an introduction to the Serra movement that comprises of lay Catholics who promote, nurture and encourage vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. The Serra Club of Bangalore was chartered in 2003 and has worked tirelessly to encourage vocations.

Br. Derreck da Cruz C.Ss.R. gave a moving testimony of how the Lord guided him when he prayed for clarity. This was followed by the testimony of Sr. Nisha Maria D’Souza (Scb) who shared with the participants how her mother always prayed for vocations and encouraged her.

Catholic Club provided lunchto participants, teachers and Serrans and also a birthday cake for the Archbishop.

The President of the Catholic Club, Mr. Alton Viegas, presented the Prizes and Rolling Trophies. Each participant was awarded a Participation Certificate with a gift packet of an assortment of religious books and the Bible.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Jessie Almeida, a Serran. John Rosario, President elect, and his team of Serrans did an excellent job at organising another successful Scripture Quiz.