Media Release
Udupi, Jan 1: New Year’s eve, vigil solemnity of Mary, holy mother of God was celebrated at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, diocese of the district with devotion on December 31, 2015. The evening liturgy began with adoration of the Holy Sacrament from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. This was led by deacon Denis Miranda, Capuchin.
The vigil solemnity High Eucharistic mass was concelebrated by bishop of the diocese Fr Gerald Isaac Lobo along with Fr Stany B Lobo rector of Milagres Cathedral, Fr Henry Mascarenhas estate head, diocese of Udupi, Fr Denis Lobo superior of Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur, Fr Rollwin Aranha assistant parish priest, Fr Nelson Furtado of Pilar Fathers and deacon Denis Miranda.
In his homily, Fr Henry Mascarenhas pointed out the role of mother Mary with Jesus, the Son of God. The life of Jesus begins with mother Mary. Therefore, it is appropriate that we begin the New Year with the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God. Since mother Mary is the mother of God, she is the mother of joy- joy to the world.
"Mother Mary is the bridge of God’s relation. Through mother Mary we start the new year. We need help and guidance from her. She never neglects our prayers. We should be thankful to the Lord almighty that mother Mary is the patroness of our parish as well as our diocese. It is time to not just look back with thanksgiving, but also forward into a new future," he said.
At the end of the mass, Cathedral rector Fr Stany B Lobo spoke words of gratitude on the New Year’s Eve celebrations and he conveyed his wishes on the occasion of the New Year 2016.
The bishop in his message conveyed that mother Mary is the patroness of our Cathedral as well as the diocese. We must give thanks to the Lord for this. As we celebrate Divine Mercy Year, let us show mercy to those who are in trouble and who are in need. Let us show forgiveness and let us begin with God, with helping each other and helping the poor of the poorest.
After the Eucharistic celebrations, Catholic Sabha, Milagres Cathedral unit distributed prizes to the winners of the elocution competitions. The YCS unit organized housie housie games and distributed prizes.
A large number of the faithful participated in the New Year’s vigil services and wished each other on the occasion.