Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, May 1: As many as 13 couples tied the nuptial knot at the 44th mass wedding ceremony organized by St Vincent De Paul Society at Rosario Cathedral here on Tuesday, May 1.
Bishop of Bellary, Dr Henry D'Souza, who was the main celebrant at the ceremony, solemnized the nuptials.
Bishop in his homily asked the newly wedded couples to live a life committed to Christian values. "You are here because you love your partner. You are promising your partner that your love is until death in the presence of God. You are not going to break this promise for any reason, anytime in life. This promise is permanent. Only love of God in your life can make your life blissful,”
“You have also chosen to marry in a simple manner even though you can spend more. That is a great decision. It is a real sacrifice when people want luxuries. Live your life according to the commandments of God. Be always humble because money does not last," he added.
Nearly 15 priests including Fr Anil Fernandes, Fr Rocky Fernandes and Fr Vincent D’Souza concelebrated the Mass.
Brides and bridegrooms from many districts including Dakshina Kannada, Kasargod and Udupi participated in the ceremony.
Social worker, banker and educationist from Mumbai, Albert W T D’Souza, was the chief guest in the traditional function that was held after the Mass. He wished the best for the newly married couples.
"You should uphold the family values. Mutual understanding with sharing and caring is the key to a successful married life. Only with the blessing of we can live a happy life,” he said.
Fr J B Crasta, rector of cathedral, presented gifts to couples and also tokens of appreciation to the donors.
C J Simon, president of Vincent De Paul welcomed the couples and all for lunch.
Ida Furtado compered the programme.
This is the 44th year of celebration of community weddings and so far over a thousand couples have joined in holy matrimony.
Apart from the wedding ceremony and the lunch, this year the organizers presented each couple a pair of gold nuptial rings along with dress material and household articles.
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul, of Rosario Cathedral, has been venturing this mega project every year with the help of philanthropists and kind hearted donors from all around.