By Richard D'Souza

Udupi, Jul 9: The titular feast of Our Lady of Miracles was held at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur of the diocese on Friday July 9.

The main celebrant of the festive eucharistic celebrations was Bishop of the diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, along with rector of the Milagres Cathedral Fr Valerian Mendonca and the newly appointed assistant parish priest Fr Joy J Andrade.

In his beautiful homily, Bishop Gerald briefed the three important roles of mother Mary. Mother Mary accepted the Word of God as it is, secondly mother Mary was obedient to the Word of God and thirdly mother Mary was a real mother.

The bishop said we gather together with great joy to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Miracles. Mother Mary trusted and accepted God's Word as is within her heart. She willingly allowed that word to lead her and so she is the model for us. The acceptance of the Word of God by mother Mary gives us the promise that if we hear the Word of God and keep it, we will continue the fruitfulness of our life. Mary trusted God’s Word and guidance for her life and surrendered to God’s will.

"Despite being greatly troubled at the Word of God, Mary’s response shows great faithfulness and she was not afraid to voice her questions. However, in the end, she chooses obedience. Faith is all about stepping out in obedience. Mary demonstrates the power of pure faith. Her obedience changed the course of history.

"Mary was a real mother. She was the one who God chose to be the mother of Our Lord Jesus. Mary the mother of our Lord was obedient. She is at once the mother of Christ, the Son of God, the mother of his mystical body which is the church," the bishop said.

Fr Valerian Mendonca at the end of the mass thanked all concerned, especially the bishop, the main celebrant and the assistant parish priest, pastoral council vice-president, secretary, coordinator of the pastoral commission, the choir members and others. He wished the parishioners and others on the occasion.

The bishop honoured with a decorated candle the main sponsor of the feast and has been a sponsor for 76 years, sons of A J D’Silva and late Anjeline D’Silva. The bishop also gave candles to other sponsors of the feast.

In the end, the Bishop wished all the parishioners and all concerned on the celebration of the feast. He thanked the rector of the cathedral and others for successfully celebrating the feast. Due to restrictions in conducting church services on account of the Covid pandemic, the churches in the diocese are opened for the time being as the time for the expected third wave of the pandemic is unknown. The bishop called the faithful to attend the church services and masses who are able to attend.

Under the leadership of Fr Valerian Mendonca, the choir during the mass was great and appreciated. Every Sunday, Divine TV and youtube telecast the eucharistic celebrations. The attendance during the mass was not so much due to the pandemic. However, the titular feast was observed with tradition and gaiety.