Media Release
Udupi, Mar 30: The Lenten season serves as a spiritual guide for Christians to experience the presence of God through prayer, fasting, and charity, said Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, apostolic administrator of the Udupi Catholic diocese.
He was speaking on Sunday evening after participating in an ecumenical Christian prayer gathering held at UBM Ebenezer Church, Malpe, organized under the theme 'From Hosanna to the Cross'. Delivering his message and blessings, the bishop emphasized the spiritual significance of the Holy Week.
He noted that Holy Week is a special time for Christians to meditate on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. It encourages the faithful to carry their own crosses of hardships and challenges in life, following the path shown by Jesus. He added that through the Cross, Jesus brought salvation to the world and prayed that His blessings be upon everyone.
Brother Ramesh from Campus Crusade India, Mangaluru, and Fr Rock D’Souza of Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, delivered reflections on the Word of God during the gathering.
Praise and worship were conducted by choirs from UBM Christa Karunya Church Katapady, UBM Jubilee Church Udupi, UBM Christa Krupa Church Manipal, UBM Christa Shanthi Church Udyavar, CSI Ebenezer Malpe, and St Anne's Church Thottam.
Several Catholic priests and community members were present at the event, including Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Fr Vincent Crasta, Fr Wilson D’Souza, Fr Ashwin Aranha, Fr Santosh A, Fr Stephen Bandi, Fr Ramesh Mudalagi, Fr Manoj Y S, Fr Vinay Sandesh, and others.
Kumar Salins welcomed the gathering, while Jewel proposed the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Fr Denis D’Sa of Thottam Church.