Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EC)
Pics: Praveen Correa, Sany Digitals
Udupi, Nov 22: More than 3,500 faithful partook in the holy Eucharistic procession of Udupi diocese to celebrate the feast of Christ the King with the theme ‘Nourished by Christ to nourish others', at the vicinity of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, here on Sunday, November 22.
The holy mass was celebrated by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, along with 42 priests of the diocese.
Addressing the congregation, bishop Dr Gerald said, “We have gathered here to spread the message of love and brotherhood through this procession. Lord Jesus was the only King who came to serve and not to be served. He was the light of the universe. Hence as we carry the candles through this procession, we symbolically show that we are the light of God. May this procession send a message of brotherhood in our city as well as the whole nation."
Fr Lawrence D’Souza, secretary, Catholic Board of Education, diocese of Udupi, conducted adoration on the occasion.
The peaceful procession began at the grounds of the Mother of Sorrows Church and proceeded via Harsha Warehouse to the Ajjarkad grounds, Jodu Rasthey and finally culminated at the Church grounds via Kalpana Circle. Bishop, priests, faithful and a beautiful tableau were part of the procession.
The procession was followed by a sermon delivered by Fr Prakash Castelino, assistant parish priest, Shirva. In his homily, Fr Prakash said, “We are nourished by the Eucharist and we have already been the witnesses of Christ. Through Eucharist, we have gained the spiritual power which strengthens our faith every time it gets threatened. Jesus gave us himself in the form of bread and has always been with us through various ways, times and in persons. He gave his life to fill life in us. We need to refill, recharge and renew our faith as the divine spirit gives them to us free of cost. Jesus always says, ‘I chose you, so that you never be far from my love’. And to this, let our answer be ‘I need you Jesus in me, whomever shall I go other than you’."
The choir team from Udupi added colour to the entire event.
The top three recipients of highest collections on Mission Sunday - Moodubelle, Udupi and Attur Church, Karkala, and top three recipients of highest individual collection - Nakre, Kuntalnagar and Udupi, were felicitated on the occasion.
Bishop Dr Isaac thanked all the priests, religious and the laity who supported and cooperated in the success of the event.
Fr Denis D’Sa and Vincent Alva compered the event.