Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 28: The annual feast of Holy family Church, Brahmavar was celebrated with grandeur from December 27 to 28.
Fr Valerian Mendonca, rector Milagres Cathedral was the chief celebrant for the feast Eucharistic celebration.
In his homily, Fr Valerian said, "Today we are celebrating the feast of the Holy innocents. Joseph hears the message of the messenger and shifts to a new place with his wife and child. Herod killed all the children below the age of 2 years after realizing that he was betrayed by the wise men. The same Herod had beheaded John the Baptist. He feared that he had an opposition to be the King of Jews. The distance between Bethlehem and Jerusalem is 640 kilometers, which they covered in 30 days. Mother Mary believed in the divine presence of Jesus Christ. She follows him till the Holy cross. Through Mother Mary we have received a divine mother. In the Holy family everyone have played their role very well. The family had utmost belief in the Lord. They built a house with walls of love and shelter of solace. Joseph obeyed the message of the Almighty and immediately did what was said to him. We need to thank the almighty for giving us good families. The Lord has chosen our parents, brothers and sisters and not we. Happiness of our families is the preview of heaven. Our family members welcome us with whole heart whenever we feel divested and lost. There is no need to take any appointment when visiting our family members”.
Benefactors and donors were honored with blessed candles on the occasion. Fr Charles Menezes, parish priest Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi was the chief celebrant for the vespers celebrations held on December 27.
A large number of devotees, parishioners and priests from Udupi and Mangalre diocese took part in the celebrations.
Fr John Fernandes, OFMCap, parish priest, Brahmavar thanked all the persons for their help and support during the annual feast celebrations. Let our families be a role model of the Holy family. Let us pray to the Holy family to help us in the upcoming new year, he said.
Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO, Diocese of Udupi, Fr Mark Saldhnha, assistant parish priest, Brahmavar, Fr Lenson Lobo, administrator, Nirmala English Medium School, Fr Dominic, Fr Charles Saldhana, Asha Kiran, Fr Joquem D’Souza, Fr Victor D'Souza, parish priest, Kemmannu and other priest were present on the occasion.
Michael Furtado, vice president, parish pastoral committee, Anthony Barnes, secretary, Robert Lewis, convener, 20 Commissions, gurkars and parishioners were present.