Ivan Mascarenhas
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Apr 12: The Priest Day of the Udupi diocese and blessing of the holy oils of baptism, chrism, oil for the sick and the holy mass were held at Milagres Cathedral here in the city on Thursday April 10.
During the holy mass, the bishop of the Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo blessed the holy oils that will be used throughout the year for various sacraments like baptism, chrism and for the sick people to get well.
The bishop during the mass briefly explained the importance of blessings of the holy oils. Many people of the diocese were not aware of the importance of the blessing of the holy oils ceremony at the Cathedral for the past two years and so there was a poor attendance during the mass. From next year, the ceremonial celebration of the blessed holy oils and chrism mass will be held in other parishes of the diocese.
During the celebration, the priests who attended the mass were asked to stand and renew the promises they made on their ordination day. This was done as a part of the mass so that the priests can again pledge their lives and love to Jesus and his church.
The priests of 48 churches of the diocese witnessed the celebration of the mass and blessings of the holy oils.
Msgr Baptist Menezes, Chancellor Fr Valerian Mendonca, Vicar Forane of five deaneries and other official priests of the diocese were present.
Fr Sunil D’Silva compered the programme.