Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady
Udupi, Nov 21: The annual Eucharistic procession of the diocese of Udupi was celebrated on Sunday November 20 at Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of diocese of Udupi presided over the holy Eucharistic Mass. Dr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, priests from across the diocese took part in the Mass.
With the theme 'Eucharist is symbol of love, forgiveness and unity', nearly 4,000 devotees gathered for the procession.
Dr Gerald Lobo in his homily said, "Today we are celebrating three occasions - Our Holy Father celebrating the closing of Year of Mercy, secondly Christ the King Feast, and third, the diocesan annual Eucharistic procession.
"Today we gather here to accept openly that Christ is our King and let his blessings be with us and with the surrounding," he said.
"Eucharist is a symbol of love, forgiveness and unity. Jesus Christ during the Last Super said 'take this bread and wine as a symbol of my body and blood'. And the next day he gave his life as a symbol of forgiveness. Today he is living with each one of us within ourself. Sacrifice is the main symbol of love. God sent his own son for us.
"Secondly, Eucharist is a symbol of forgiveness. We have to forgive our enemies; we should do good towards those who harm us. Before making any offerings we have to forgive each other. Third, Eucharist is a symbol of unity. We might be many but we all become one in Jesus Christ. By faith we are children’s of God. We have one faith, and one God. There should not be any fight, nor any groupism between us. We have to be united," the bishop said.
After the Eucharistic Mass, a vibrant procession began at the grounds of Mother of Sorrows Church and proceeded via Harsha Warehouse to the Ajjarkad grounds and finally culminated at the Church grounds via Diana Circle. A beautiful tableau was the highlight of the procession in which the bishop, priests and the faithful took part.
Fr Royston Fernandes, Udupi, conducted the adoration on the occasion.
The choir team led by Dolphy Mascarenhas from Udupi added colour to the entire event.
The top five recipients of the highest collections on Mission Sunday - Rs 8,35,700 - Moodubelle, Rs 6,40,000 - Udupi, Rs 4,20,348 Kanjar, Rs 4,00,000 – Attur and Rs 2,70,000 Pangala Church, and top five recipients of highest individual collection namely, Kunatalnagar, Nakre, Udupi, Kanjar and Attur - were felicitated on the occasion. The total collection on Mission Sunday from 51 parishes stood at Rs 67,22,234.
Bishop Dr Gerald thanked all the priests, religious and the laity who supported and cooperated in the success of the event.
Fr Denis D’Sa and Vincent Alva compered the event.