News & Pics: Melwyn Aranha, Arul D’Souza Shirva,
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/VA)
Udupi, Feb 12: The feast of ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’ was celebrated at Our Lady of Health parish, Shirva here with solemnity and worship on Thursday February 11.
Episcopal vicar Fr Baptist Menezes offered Holy Mass at the prayer hall along with parish priest Fr Richard Coelho, assistant parish priest Fr Fredrick Monteiro, Post Graduate Centre dean Fr Edwin D’Souza, Don Bosco Youth Centre priests Fr Francis and Fr Tino.
The statue of Our Lady of Lourdes was carried in a Palakim. The procession started from the prayer hall, passed through Shirva town and concluded in front of the newly erected Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at Shirva parish.
Over 2,000 devotees participated in the procession. The candles were lit by the residents at their compound walls and shopkeepers at their premises, regardless of faith, en-route the Eucharist procession. Shirva locality enjoys communal harmony that has been fostered since many decades and it’s an annual occasion to show their solidarity and brotherhood among all people in the diverse society.
Fr Baptist, in his homily urged the devotees to listen to the word of God, citing the miracle performed by Jesus at Kana, where Mother Mary learnt of shortage of wine at the wedding ceremony and told the labourers to do what Jesus tells them to do. The labourers filled the jars with water and it was transformed into wine by Jesus. Similarly, the word of God brings rich dividends, if followed consistently, he added.