Pics by Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 31: The annual feast of Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, was celebrated with great devotion on December 29 and December 30.
Msgr Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves presided over the Eucharistic celebrations of the feast, accompanied by Fr John Fernandes, parish priest, and Fr Mark Saldanha and Fr Lenson Lobo, priests from the deanery, as concelebrants.
In his homily, Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of the diocese of Udupi, emphasized the challenges faced by modern families and drew inspiration from the Holy Family. “Today, many families experience loneliness. Men are often left to live alone as their partners work abroad, and children are placed in hostels for studies. Such circumstances create feelings of loneliness,” he said.
He highlighted the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus as an ideal family model for the world, offering hope and guidance during difficult times. “Joseph obediently followed God’s will, fleeing to Egypt with Mary and infant Jesus. The Holy Family of Nazareth led a simple, loving, and hardworking life. Jesus, the Son of God, obediently lived with his parents and followed the rules of faith and prayer. Their strong faith and obedience to God’s will are examples for all families,” he said.
Msgr Ferdinand also reflected on the Jubilee Year 2025, initiated by Pope Francis, as a time to build families of faith. He urged families to embrace the Pope’s three tools for building Christian families: unconditional love, unconditional forgiveness, and prayer.
On Saturday, December 29, the vespers celebrations were led by Fr Naveen Dsouza, OFM Cap, who highlighted the significance of faith, prayer, and family life. “The Jubilee Year calls us to be pilgrims of hope, to grow in our thirst for the Word of God, and to renew our lives. It invites us to reconcile with God, our families, and others while spreading the Word of God through acts of kindness and support,” he said.
Benefactors and donors were honoured with blessed candles during the celebrations.
A large number of devotees, parishioners, and priests from the dioceses of Udupi and Mangaluru participated in the celebrations.
Fr John Fernandes, OFM Cap, parish priest of Brahmavar, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the annual feast.
Michael Furtado, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Committee, Asha Lewis, secretary, and Gretta D’Souza, convener of the 20 Commissions, were present on the occasion.