Media Release
Chikkamagaluru, May 7: St Joseph’s Church, Hirebile, celebrated its 41st Consecration Day in a grand manner on the eve of the parish feast.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Adarsh, parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, who also delivered a meaningful sermon on family life. In his homily, he encouraged the faithful to follow the values of the Holy Family, with special emphasis on the life of St Joseph. He reminded the congregation that trials and sorrows are part of life, but with strong determination and faith, one can move forward with hope.
The concelebrants for the Holy Mass included Fr Felix Thomas Rosario, parish priest of St Rita’s Church, Jayapura; Fr Vinod Kumar MSC from Bengaluru; and Fr Anil Pinto, parish priest of Holy Family Church, Sundekete. As a gesture of gratitude, blessed candles were distributed to all the families present.
Following the Mass, the decorated St Joseph’s car was blessed by Fr Vinod Kumar MSC, who also flagged off the procession. The beautiful St Joseph’s car was decorated by Ronald Saldanha and family. The procession covered nearly one and a half kilometres through the main roads of the town. Devotees participated with great devotion, singing hymns and reciting the Rosary. Many people, irrespective of caste or creed, reverently witnessed the procession and offered prayers.
After the procession, a Eucharistic Holy Hour was conducted by Fr David Prakash, parish priest, who led a deeply prayerful and meaningful thanksgiving benediction. Around 500 faithfuls participated in the celebrations.
The event concluded with a delicious dinner served to all. The parish council, finance committee, and ICYM members played a key role in organizing the event successfully. Prakash D’Costa arranged a beautiful fireworks display, adding joy to the celebration.
The entire event was meticulously planned under the guidance of parish priest Fr David Prakash, parish council secretary Lancy Carlo, and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart Convent. The church choir enriched the liturgy with their melodious singing, helping the faithful participate devoutly.
At the end of the celebration, the parish priest expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the event a grand success.