Pics by: Justin Dsilva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jan 1: New Year's eve was celebrated with much devotion and holiness all over the district. Holy Eucharistic celebration was offered in churches to welcome the New Year.

Fr Derick D’Souza was the main celebrant for the Eucharistic celebrations in Stella Maris Church Kalmady. In his homily Fr Derick said, “Today we are begining this New Year with the blessings of Mother Mary. Today, we also celebrate the feast of Mother of God. Mary is the mother of each and every person in this world. This day should be celebrated as Mothers' Day among the Catholic community. Mother Mary had received blessings from the Almighty. She was the first person to see the face of the Almighty. She was a door for Jesus to come to this earth.

“We have a mother. In the name of Mother Mary many people survived danger miraculously. When the Eucharistic celebrations were offered in Latin, our ancestors could not understand it, but they recited the rosary with full of devotion. This church has also stood up on the strength of Mother Vellankani. Our Mother who gave birth to us is a reflection of Mother Mary.”

'Year of Youth 2018' was inaugurated by Fr Alban D’Souza, parish priest by unveiling the logo. 2019 will be celebrated as the Year of Youth in Udupi diocese. The motto of this year is 'Accompaniment of the church in the life journey of young people'. The year was inaugurated in all the churches of the diocese on December 31, 2018.

Inaugurating the Year of Youth, Fr Alban D’Souza said, “Youth in their adolescence must get proper guidance. Pope Francis has concern toward the youth. The Synod decided in its October meeting to celebrate the following year as Year of Youth. Youth in their adolescence need training and guidance. We elders should take them on the path toward Jesus.”

Fr Praveen Monterio, resident priest was the co-celebrant.