Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 31: It was on the Feast of the Holy Family on December 27 that 15 children accompanied by their parents marched with bubbling eagerness for the first reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist attired in pure white clothing symbolizing purity and newness.

Parish priest Fr Anil D’Mello celebrated the Mass with beautiful singing and wholehearted participation from the believers assembled in large numbers. During the profession of faith and renewal of baptismal promises, the parish priest asked the 15 communicants and they spiritedly replied together ‘I do’. And at that very moment the entire congregation wished and prayed that these kids may keep up with their promises and beliefs when they grow up.

Fr Anil D’Mello in his thought-provoking and mind blowing homily explicated the encyclicals of Pope St John Paul II, Pope Paul VI and Pope Benedict XVI thereby giving a clarion call to scrutinize one’s family in the light of the Holy Family. Three readings of the day were sublimely elucidated through incidents turning the spotlight on values of family and the virtues one is called to display as follower of Jesus Christ. He further stressed the role of the parents in the care and development of their children.

The liturgy was meticulously prepared by Fr Anil D Mello and the first Holy Communicants delivered the prayers of the faithful and prayer after communion with utmost clarity and perfection. Certificate of participation in catechism classes, scapular, rosary and New Testament were gifted to the communicants. Sr Gretta Braggs prepared the children to receive first Holy Communion.