Udupi: Kalmady parishioners celebrate annual feast with utmost reverence
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi, 16 Aug 2014: Stella Maris parish, Kalmady near here celebrated annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni with utmost reverence on Friday August 15 morning.
Udupi bishop Dr Gerald Lobo was accorded grand welcome by Kalmady parish priest Fr Alban D’Souza along with parish council members on the occasion.
Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo concelebrated the festal Eucharistic celebration along with diocesan chancellor Fr Valerian Mendonca, dean Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas, Uzwaad Konkani Weekly editor Capuchin Friar Chetan Lobo and other clergies.
Bishop Dr Lobo, in his homily said that there is link between Mother Mary and Holy Sacrament. The Immaculate Mother of God, Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her early life, was assumed body and soul into heaven. With that the ancient belief became Catholic doctrine and the Assumption was declared a truth revealed by God. Mother Mary believed Jesus in every moment and that was proved by His miracle of changing the water into wine. Mother Mary remained faithful to Lord. Devoted family to Mother Mary where the presence of Lord prevailed.
Kalmady parish choir led by Leslie Aroza of Thottam presented melodious singing and worship.
Nine-day novenas were held at Kalmady parish in preparation for annual feast on Friday.
Fr Alban thanked the parishioners and parish council for their concerted efforts in organizing the annual feast.
Bishop Dr Lobo also presented blessed candles to the sponsors of annual feast.
The state urban development and Udupi district-in-charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake released a souvenir ‘Daryacho Sukur’ during the stage programme held after the festal Eucharistic Celebration. He also conveyed his best wishes to the gathering.
Udupi MLA Madwaraj was also present on the occasion.
The lunch was served to all the devotees who were present.
Around 6,000 devotees participated in the festal Eucharistic Celebration.