Corpus Christi Church, Moodbidri

By Yashodhara Bangera

Moodbidri, Sep 8:Corpus Christi Church Moodbidri celebrated the feast of the birth of Mother Mary with great pomp. The parishioners gathered with flowers and new rice near the Nawami complex in Moodbidri city at 7.30 a.m.

Feast message was given in Kannada by Norbert Martis. He explained the meaning of the Nativity of Mother Mary, New corn blessing and the Mangalorean Catholic tradition of all family members eating new corn together.

Then the new rice was blessed and the procession started with children carrying flower baskets and adults in hand. The statue of infant Mary was carried in cradle by the ICYM members dressed in traditional Indian Mundu-shirt and colourful umbrellas surrounding. Vado Gurkars and Sister of convents carried the new rice followed by altar boys and the celebrant priests.

The flowers were showered on infant Mary on the church ground.

Rev. Fr. Veeresh Moras the director of Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) was the main celebrant with V. Rev. Fr. Austin Peres as the co-celebrant for the feast Mass. Church choir led by Mr. Alwyn Lobo sang the liturgical hymns.

After the Mass the Telephone Directory 2014 was released by Rev. Fr Veeresh Moras which was Edited by Mr Vincent Mascarenhas and Fr Austin Peres launched the SMS alerts, which alerts the feast wishes,Birthday wishes, and other important announcement to the parishioners by regular SMS with the leadership of Vincent Mascarenhas.

All those who contributed to the feast were thanked, and a sign of honour, candles were distributed to donours, and new corn to all families. More than 2000 devotees took part in the procession and well as in the mass.

The Prizes were distributed to the winner of the games which the various compititons conducted by ICYM. Sugarcane was distributed to all the parishioners.