Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru(MD)
Mangaluru, Jan 4: Thousands of faithful gathered here on Sunday January 4 to participate in the annual Eucharistic procession of Mangaluru diocese which was held from Milagres Church to Rosario Cathedral.
Prior to the procession, Mass was offered by Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza at Milagres Church. The procession led by the bishop culminated at Rosario Cathedral where adoration of the Holy Sacrament was held.
In his homily, Fr Deep Fernandes, assistant parish priest of newly inaugurated Infant Mary Church Bajjodi urged Catholics to remain loyal to the Church and dedicate their lives to God.
“This year it is dedicated to the nuns and priests who dedicate their lives to God. Look in the past with gratitude. Those who have lived dedicated lives have received lot of blessings from God. Bible has lot of meaning. You should understand and read. You should become a person with helping, and caring person. Jesus’ personality is depicted as a helping person. One who goes against the God is always not happy in his life. It is a challenge for all of us to wake up the world which is sleeping. Today the world is waiting for the person like Jesus to come and to help the world. It is the duty of the people who have dedicated their lives for God and to help the society. Eucharist is the God. You will enjoy your life if you dedicate your life to God.” Fr Deep said.
Addressing the gathering Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, “With great spirit you have come here to worship God. God has given a new year for us to do well to others and never forget to pray. May this year be a peaceful, loving and caring year. Let there be peace with everyone. Pope says this year is dedication of life to God. You should have good relationship with God. You have to live a generous life. Work for the God. Live a holy life by praying with your family. Join hands with the priests to strengthen the churches. I thank each and everyone for their support.”
Parishes which made the highest collections for Mangalore diocese were honoured with mementoes. Cordel Church was the first highest and Bejai Church, Derebail Church, Milagres Church, Madanthyar Church stood the next respectively.
Thousands of people including priests, nuns and the laity took part in the procession.
Bishop also announced that the Pope Francis will be announcing Blessed Joseph Vaz as Saint in Sri Lanka on January 14, 2015. On this occasion Joseph Vaz’ statue was inaugurated and the statue was taken to Paneer church in a procession.
Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza released the logo of 2015 ‘Wake Up The World 2015 Year of Consecrated Life’.
Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, vicar general, Fr Henry Sequeira, chancellor, Fr Pius James D’Souza, Fr J B Crasta,Fr Andrew D’Souza, Fr Valerian D’Souza, Fr Walter Rodrigues, Fr Aquine Noronha, MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D’Souza and M P Noronha among others were present on this occasion.