Pics: Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 26: The annual Eucharistic procession of diocese of Udupi was held on Sunday, November 25 at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte.
The Holy Eucharistic Mass was celebrated at the church and adoration of the Eucharist was held. The Holy Eucharistic was then taken in procession to Milagres Cathedral.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of diocese of Udupi presided over the Holy Eucharistic celebration. Also priests from across the diocese were the concelebrants.
Fr Royson Fernandes conducted the adoration of the Holy Eucharist. In his homily he said, “Today, we try our best to find the roots of our family. Holy Eucharist is the root of Christian life. In Eucharist, Jesus Christ will be present in form of bread. The Eucharist also reminds us of the sacrament which was founded by Jesus. Jesus is staying with us for the last 2,000 years in the form of Eucharist. Faithfulness, hope and love are essential elements of our life. We have received these things as a gift from Jesus.”
“The world recognises us as lovable, and service and sacrifice minded. There is no meaning to our life without Christ. Every Eucharistic celebration we participate strengthens our belief in Jesus Christ. We are fortunate to participate in the Eucharistic celebration every day. But in abroad, the situation is very pathetic. There is shortage of priests in European nations. Many Catholics are joining new groups. We go to church when we are in difficulty, because we know that Jesus is there to hear us. He is there with us even after our death. We live for Christ after taking Holy Communion,” he added.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese in his address said, “We have conducted this procession with much holiness and devotion today. I really appreciate the sacrifice of the faithful towards World Mission Sunday. We have collected Rs 5 lac more compared to the previous year. The work of our Diocesan Pastoral Centre will start from Tuesday. I request you all to support us in completing this project as soon as possible. Next year (2019) will be celebrated as ‘Youth’s Year’ in our diocese. ICYM Udupi diocese has launched an app named ‘RedDrop’, which will help in meeting blood requirement of people in Udupi. I congratulate our youth for undertaking this unique initiative.”
Prizes were distributed to the highest contributing parishes towards the World Mission Sunday – 2018
The highest contributors were - Our Lady of Health Church Shirva (Rs 7,25,000), St Lawrence Church Moodubelle (Rs 7,20,000) and Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi (Rs 6,15,000). The total collection from Udupi diocese stands at Rs 74,27,637.
Three parishes topped the list of per-head collection with St Antony’s Church, Kuntalnagar (Rs 2,95,000) with Rs 732.01 per head standing first, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Nakre (Rs 2,71,836) with Rs 553.64 per head on second spot followed by Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi (Rs6,15,000) with Rs372.72 per head.
Dr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, Fr Stany B Lobo, chancellor of Udupi dioces, Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO, Fr Dr Leslie D’Souza, parish priest, Mount Rosary Churc, Santhekatte, Fr Lawrence D’Souza, rector, Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, Fr Valerian Mendonca, parish priest, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi and other priests of the diocese were present for the Eucharistic celebrations and procession of Holy Eucharist. A large number of devotees took part in the celebrations.