Media Release

Mangaluru, May 11: Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi, celebrated with great joy the First Holy Communion of seven children on Sunday, May 10. They are Addon Rishon Pinto, Pearl Sweedal D'Cunha, Preemal Saldanha, Sean Samuel D'Souza, Joyston D'Souza, Joshua Prajwal Saldanha and Christian Lawrence Moras. These children after a month's very intense catechism received Jesus first time in their hearts.

The concelebrated Holy Eucharist was celebrated. Fr Alwin Serrao, principal, Milagres College, Hampankatta, was the main celebrant. The homily for the Mass was preached by Fr Dominic Vas, parish priest. In his homily, Fr Dominic explained the meaning of the Eucharist, how Jesus transforms bread and wine into his own body and blood citing many examples from the life of St Anthony of Padua, St Carlos Acutis, Mother Teresa and St Dominic Savio.

He also quoted many gospel passages from the Bible such as the two disciples of John the Baptist who followed Jesus from the Gospel of St John and healing of the servant of Roman centurion. Through these examples he showed how those who believed in the divinity of Jesus within his humanity were healed. Likewise, those who believe in the real presence of Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine will also receive the sacramental grace and divine healing.

The other priests who concelebrated in the Holy Eucharist were Fr Henry Saldhanha SJ, rector, Asha Kiran, Kankanady; Fr Ivan D'Souza, Carmel Hill; Fr Cyril Menezes and Fr Pranam Fernandes. The children's choir lead by Joseph Mascarenhas sang very melodiously for the Mass. Sr Lidwin, OSS and Elizabeth Pereira were thanked for teaching catechism for the children and preparing them for the first Holy communion. The whole event was live telecast by Divine Word TV.