Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Pics: Stanley Bantwal

Mangalore, Dec 5: ‘Vodlem Fest’ of Blessed Joseph Vaz Church, located at Mudipu, in the outskirts of the city began on Tuesday December 4 morning.  The novena services in Kannada, Konkani and English were held in honour of Blessed Joseph Vaz, within an interval of half an hour till evening.  Fr Henry Sequeira, Chancellor Mangalore diocese offered the Holy Mass at 5.30 pm on Tuesday December 4.  

The festive Holy Mass was offered by Fr Dennis Moras Prabhu, on Wednesday December 5 at 10.30 am. The newly-erected welcome arch at the entrance of access road and statue of Blessed Joseph Vaz and Grotto of Mother Mary inside the church compound was blessed by Fr Dennis Moras Prabhu beofore the Holy Mass.

Fr Andrew D’Souza, parish priest, Blessed Joseph Vaz church, Mudipu felicitated Fr Dennis Moras Prabhu, on completing 40 years of priesthood.

Fr Dennis Moras Prabhu, honoured Fr Valerian D’Silva, Capuchin and Fr Victor D’Souza, parish priest, Our Lady of Mercy church, Paneer, on completing 25 years of priesthood.

Fr Dennis also honoured the donors, J R Baretto, Felix D’Souza, Vincent D’Souza, Irene Veigas, Felix D’Souza and Walter D’Souza, towards building Grotto, welcome arch and other works at the church complex.

Santosh Mermajal compered the programme.  Fr Andrew D’Souza proposed vote of thanks.  Thousands of faithful including several priests partook in the Eucharistic celebrations.  Holy Masses were offered in Konkani, Kannada and English, throughout the day, for the benefit of the devotees thronging in large number from far and near.