M’belle: Christmas celebrated with devotion and spirit of joy and happiness

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Pics by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 25 Dec 2012: As the parishioners passed through the main entrance of the church premises on  their way to Christmas celebration  in the late evening of Monday, December 24, 2012 on the eve of the Christmas Day, the decorative lights of the facade of the magnificent church inspired awe and created an excitement that pervaded the entire celebration. Parishioners in their selected festive dress were seen occupying vantage seats so that they would be able to see the main altar.

 
The Carol singing began at 7 pm. After Fr. Paul Sequeira narrated the meaning of each hymn, the choir in its melodious voice sang the hymn. Meanwhile, the young students presented the Christmas tableau making action or movements according to the meaning of the hymns. Christopher D’Souza conducted the choir efficiently, while the students ably trained by Sr. Irene and  Sr. Royline put up good show.  Ashis Alva and Clive Quadros played the keyboard during the Carol singing and the festive mass.

 

 

 

 

 
The solemn Christmas Mass began at 7.30 pm with Rev. Fr. J.B. Saldanha, lecturer in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore and the head of the Chair of Christianity at the Mangalore University was the main celebrant.

 
In his homily, which included a number of anecdotes, Rev. Fr. J.B. explained the spirit of Christmas and related it to the modern times.

 
Following the end of the mass, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes conveyed Christmas Greetings to all parishioners including those who are outside and abroad.

 
Soon after the Mass as people came out of the church they were seen greeting each other and sharing the spirit and joy of Christmas.

 
The ICYM had made arrangement for the auction of a large beautiful cake which ultimately was acquired by Valerian Noronha of Edmeru for Rs. 26,610.  There was also Housie game following the auction of the cake.

 
The stars  that were prepared by the youngsters of the parish as part of the competition were hung in front of the church.

 
The Christmas Crib prepared under the guidance of Mr. Herald D’Souza, teacher of St. Lawrence Kannada Medium High School  had all elements and ambience of the scene of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

 

Video

 
The ICYM will be displaying Christmas tableau and spreading Christmas message today afternoon at four different spots-Mattar at 3 pm, Naalku-beedhi at 3.40 pm, Marne at 4.30 pm, Thirlapalke at 5.15 pm and Moodubelle at 5.45 pm.

 
As last year, the ICYM has organized competition in preparation of Christmas Star, Christmas Cards and Cribs.