Pics: Melwyn Mascarenhas

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jan 1: The New Year’s thanksgiving Holy Eucharistic Mass was celebrated at St Ann’s Church, Thottam by bishop of Udupi diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo on Friday December 31.

On the occasion, a grotto dedicated to Mother Mary donated by Oswald Vaz and family was blessed and inaugurated by the bishop. Prior to the Eucharistic celebration, holy adoration was held. Fr Chethan Lobo, OFM, conducted the prayer service during the adoration.

In the thanksgiving Eucharistic Mass, the bishop presided over while Fr Chethan Lobo, PRO, diocese of Udupi, and Fr Francis Cornelio, parish priest, St Ann’s Church, Thottam, concelebrated.

In his homily, Fr Chethan said, "Today, we are celebrating the beginning of the new year and the feast of Mother of God. We are lucky to have Mother Mary as our mother. It is an ironical that some Christians do not accept Mother Mary as Mother of God. Mother Mary was the only person born without sin. A mother is medicine for the world filled with selfishness and arrogance. There is a need of Mother Mary for this world. Today, we are celebrating world peace day too. Let us walk towards light in this New Year. Let there be new goals in the New Year. Let us decide to be good human beings.”

In his New Year message to the gathering Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, "I wish all the parishioners a very happy new year. I thank Oswald Vaz and family for donating the new grotto. Let us gather here and pray during the months of May and October. As per the tradition, I had to celebrate the New Year in the Cathedral. But with a special intention to thank the parishioners of Thottam, I have celebrated the New Year’s Eve here. Thottam was the first parish to contribute a room for the retired priests of Udupi diocese. The parishioners have also donated a vehicle for the retired priest community. Thottam parish has donated more than Rs 30 lac for the project. I thank the parish priest, parishioners and donors for the generous contribution.”

Oswald Vaz and Wilma Menezes, donors of the grotto, inaugurated the newly built grotto. A short prayer service was also held at the new grotto.

Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo felicitated the donors. Walter Pinto Vamanjoor, architect of the new grotto was also felicitated by the bishop.

A large number of parishioners were present during the celebrations.

Click here for New Year Eve Mass and Adoration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj-7PSF02vc