Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 8: The parishioners of St Sebastian Church, Bendur, celebrated the feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary on October 7 with deep devotion and reverence. The event began early in the day with the recitation of the rosary, which continued throughout the day in batches, uniting the community in prayer. The highlight of the celebration was the solemn Holy Mass, with Fr Lawrence Cutinha, the assistant parish priest, as the main celebrant.

Following the Mass, a grand candlelight procession took place. Parishioners, holding lighted candles, walked in procession toward the church's grotto. The decorated statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary was also carried in the procession, which became a focal point of devotion and reflection for the faithful.

As the statue was brought forward, the faithful recited the joyful mysteries of the rosary, immersing themselves in deep prayer. At each mystery, the reflections were delivered by Fr Walter D'Souza, Fr Arun Lobo, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Fr Denzil Lobo and Fr Vivek Pinto, all of whom gave spiritually enriching teachings for each of the five joyful mysteries.

Students from the Bridgitain convent and AC convent presented a graceful dance performance, set to the tunes of Marina hymns, which enhanced the Marian devotion. The church choir groups added a melodic dimension to the liturgical singing, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.

Fr Walter D'Souza, the parish priest, warmly welcomed the congregation, while Vinod D'Souza, the vice president of the parish council, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to making the feast a meaningful and memorable event.

The celebration concluded with refreshments being served to all attendees, fostering a sense of fellowship and community bonding after a day filled with prayer, devotion, and festivity. The feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary was truly a day to remember for the parishioners of St Sebastian Church, as it deepened their Marian devotion and brought them closer together as a community in faith.