Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KR)

Udupi, Jan 8: The consecration ceremony of the newly renovated St Mary's Cathedral Brahmavar and annual parish feast celebrations were flagged off by the vicar Fr C A Isaac, by hoisting a flag at the newly erected gold and silver plated flag pole (Kodi Mara), which is designed as per Indian tradition, after the Holy Mass on Sunday, January 7.

Holy Mass and Novenas will be held daily in the church premises at 8 am and 5.30 pm respectively till the annual parish feast on January 17. Fr Lawrence D’Souza, Fr David Crasta, and Fr Joseph Chacko, Anil Rodrigues, trustee and Alan Rohan Vaz, convener, Renovation Committee, St Mary's Cathedral, Brahmavar were present.

After the flag hosting, the relics of Blessed Alvares Mar Julius that were moved to St Thomas Orthodox Church, Sastan, two years ago, before the demolition of the old church, were brought back in a procession.

Fr Noel Lewis, parish priest of St Thomas Church, Sastan along with Fr Lawrence D’Souza, Fr David Crasta, Fr Abraham Kuriakose and Fr Joseph Chacko, assistant vicars of St Mary's Cathedral, Brahmavar offered incense to the relics before handing them over to Fr C A Isaac. The relics were placed in a new gold box by Fr Isaac and were carried back to the cathedral.

After the procession, the relics were received with great pomp at St Mary's Cathedral. The relics were finally placed in the new place made for relics, in front of the altar, after consecrating the place. All the assembled devotees kissed the relics.

Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, the supreme head of Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church will consecrate the renovated St Mary's Cathedral on January 11 and 12, along with the diocesan bishop, Yakob Mar Elias and many other bishops.

On January 12, after the consecration, an inaugural meet will be hosted. Home minister Ramalinga Reddy, minister K J George, district in-charge Pramod Madhwaraj and many other dignitaries from political, religious and social world shall grace the occasion.