Udupi/M’Belle: Vespers on the eve of the annual parish feast observed with devotion and gaiety

By Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 05 Jan 2016: Devotion and gaiety marked the Vespers on the eve of the annual parish feast of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle on Tuesday, 5 January 2016. The church and  surrounding edifices such as the Shrine of St. Lawrence, Bell tower and Grotto along with the slope of the Cross hill were elegantly decorated by electric lights, as the newly painted facade of the church manifested  the grandeur of the festive occasion.

 

The vespers service began at 6.30 pm with the procession to the top of the Cross Hill accompanied by the Brass Band and devotees singing hymns in honour of St. Lawrence.  The ICYM  members carried the ‘Cehrel’ of St. Lawrence to the top of the hill and placed on the table.

 

After reading the passage from the Gospel, Rev. Fr. William Martis delivered his homily in Kannada language highlighting the love of God to humanity. He also linked the love of Jesus Christ to the poorest of the poor by narrating examples from the life and martyrdom of St. Lawrence, the patron saint of Moodubelle.

 

Following the homily, Rev. Fr. William Martis blessed the ‘Cherel’ and the devotees went back to the church in procession carrying lighted candles through the main road  entering the premises  through the main entrance.

 

Rev. Fr. Royson Fernandes, Assistant Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church conducted the service of the ‘Word of God’ and in his homily emphasized on the significance and importance of the word of God. Choosing carefully the important words of Jesus Christ from the Gospels, Fr. Royson matched them with the relevance of the declaration of the ‘Year of Mercy’ by Pope Francis and how we can be forgiving and merciful as Jesus was through his words and examples in the Gospels.

 

The adoration of the Holy Sacrament followed the homily and Fr. Royson prayed for the entire parish family during the adoration. The Vespers service ended with the Sacramental Blessing.

 

Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Moodubelle expressed gratitude to the priests who participated in the Vespers service and also all those who have been responsible for conducting the service in a smooth and orderly manner.

 

 

 

The Vespers service was attended by Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Dean of Udupi Varado, Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro, Dean of Shirva Varado, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Valerian D’Souza, former Parish Priest of Moodubelle and builder of the new church and others.

 

Fireworks were displayed after the Vespers service was over. Anil and Reena D’Souza of St. John the Baptist I Ward were the sponsors of the fireworks.

 

A number of stalls have been set up providing various articles right from the religious to toys, sweets, eatables and even a nursery. People were seen roaming around these stalls and looking for articles which they required.

 

Devotees were also seen praying at the Shrine of St. Lawrence and lighting candles in honour of the saint.