Bangalore: Holy Ghost Church celebrates diamond jubilee
C V Joseph
Bangalore, Apr 26: The Holy Ghost Parish is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year. As part of the celebrations, a solemn Eucharist, presided over by Cardinal Oswald Cardinal Gracias was celebrated. He was assisted by three other cardinals, Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore and other Archbishops and Bishops.
Hundreds of priests, sisters and thousands of people attended the special Mass held at the Redemptorist Seminary Grounds, Richards Town, Bangalore. The theme of the celebrations was: "Our memories encourage us to dream, Moving forward in the power of the Spirit".
Cardinal Oswald Cardinal Gracias of Mumbai, in his sermon said, "Catholics are unique and we are proud to be Catholics. We have to walk with Jesus and not walk alone. All should join to build the Church, brick by brick, and imitate Jesus by our work and actions. This is our calling. This year being ‘year of faith’, one should make efforts to live the faith more authentically and confidently."
He stresed the need for making use of the inputs people get these days from the celebrations, seminars and talks to know Jesus more and to have faith more deeply. Cardinal Gracias exhorted all to use everyone’s talents to build Church as the disciples of Jesus. "Make full use of the talents God has given to each one as every person is called to build Church. That is the mission Jesus has given to us."
He called upon all to know Jesus personally in different circumstances and situations. The Cardinal who is also in the elite panel of the Pope urged all present to share the gospel and gospel values with others. Cardinal Gracias who described the Conclave to elect the new Pope said, "Pope Francis is a gift to us."
The Cardinal who is in Bangalore along with other Cardinals and bishops for a standing committee meeting pointed out the faith Mary had as she gave faith being very close to Jesus to build Church. "She proclaimed faith vigourouly. Church today needs vibrant faith to build Church, not only in Holy Ghost Church but all other neighbouring churches. All will know what she has given through our love and orientation," he said.
"There was darkness in the Catholic Church when Pope Benedict VI resigned. The Church seemed in distress but his (Pope Benedict VI) act was an act of love of the Church," he said. The Cardinal who narrated the whole process of Pope’s election said they entered the Sistine Chapel to choose the Bishop of Rome. "They had a heavy responsibility. There was no socialising but it was like a retreat. They were all under solemn oath before voting and it was a spiritual and liturgical act. Holy Spirit was with them. It was very evident all through. Otherwise, it was impossible to arrive at the positive result of two third majority, though there was first black smock. They were given photo of each cardinal and there was interaction with each other for one week. God was with the Church and with all. Holy Ghost Church celebrations indicate that we are Easter people. We have hope and truth will be finally victorious. Holy Spirit gives courage, strength and all other divine qualities."
Msgr C Francis and Msgr S Jayathan, Vicar Generals of Bangalore Archdiocese presented in Kannada and Tamil respectively, the gist of what Cardinal spoke.
Cardianl Gracias along with other Cardinals honoured all the past parish priests with shawls and other gifts. Special mention was made about the pioneers of the parish.
Earlier, Fr A Britto Jacob CSsR, Parish Priest, Holy Ghost Parish, by way of introduction, spoke briefly on Holy Ghost Church, its growth and developments besides its various phases in its history. He said jubilee is a time to thank God and obtain more grace from God and work towards strengthening one’s faith and living the same more meaningfully.
The history of Holy Ghost Church spread over 60 years in different stages was presented in pictures and power point with clear commentaries. After the Eucharist, all the Cardinals and bishops were honoured with shawls and bouquets.
Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore lauded the work done by the Redempiorist priests and said Holy Ghost parish is the biggest parish in the entire archdiocese. It has over 20,000 families. He honoured the parish priest and assistants with gfts.
There was a dance by girls of St Charles High School and a choreography by the youth of the parish which was first of its kind and gospel based. It was well received by the audience.
Fr Arulanand, Provincial Superior of Redemptorist province siad it was a great honour to have the presence of all Cardinals and bishops for the celebration. Quoting Fr A J Francis, he gave a history and various developmental process of the parish which had a bigger area when it started in 1953. Many more parishes have come in these areas. However, he said, the strength of the parish has not come down at all. He also read out the message from the Superior General of Redemporist in Rome.
Cardinal Gracias released two books on the occasion - the Asian edition of the biography of Pope Francis, and "The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version - Second Catholic Edition)." They were sold at discounted prices.
Fr Jacob Britto’s vote of thanks brought the day’s celebration to a conclusion.