St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle Celebrates Vespers on the eve of the Annual Feast

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 02 Jan 2024: Vespers on the eve of the Annual Parish Feast was observed with great devotion in St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle on Tuesday, 02 January 2024. The chief features of the Vespers were the blessing of the Cherel of St. Lawrence on the Cross Hill next to the church, meditation on the Word of God and the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Fr. Charles Meenzes, Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi and Dean of Udupi Deanery was the chief celebrant of the Vespers.

 

At 6.30 pm, parishioners proceeded to the Cross Hill where the youth carried the Cherel of St. Lawrence. After a brief prayer service, Fr. Charles Menezes recited the prayer and blessed and incensed the Cherel of St. Lawrence. Thereafter, people returned in procession to the church.

 

Following the readings from the Holy Scripture, Fr. Charles Menezes delivering the homily stressed on the importance of Bible, the Word of God in the lives of the faithful. Through various examples and anecdotes he pointed out how the Word of God guides the people through the path of righteousness and holiness.

 

Following the homily, Fr. Charles Menezes conducted the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Besides Fr. George D’Souza-Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Mooddubelle and Fr. Pradeep Cardoza-Assistant Parish Priest, Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza, native of Moodubelle and retired Archbishop of Agra Archdiocese, Fr. Roshan D’Souza-Chancellor of the Udupi Diocese, and a number of priests from the Udupi and other Deaneries were present.

 

The surroundings of the church kept up the aura of the annual feast. The church building as well as the shrine, belfry and Grotto were illuminated with colourful lights changing the colour and patterns at regular intervals.

 

Stalls with variety of articles and consumer items have been set up in the vacant space that was available in the church premises in front of the Community Hall and down through the road leading to the St. Lawrence PU College. Merry-go-round and other exciting gaming points have been set up in the St. Lawrence English Medium School.

 

Devotees of St. Lawrence were seen praying in front of the Shrine of St. Lawrence and offering lighted candles.