Bantwal: St Michael parish, Bellore celebrate annual feast with utmost religious fervor

By Robert D Costa
Pics: Avinash Noronha
Bellevision Media Network

Bantwal, 02 Jan 2017: The parishioners of St Michael’s parish, Bellore, near here celebrated the annual feast at the renovated church, with utmost religious fervor on Sunday, January 1. The newly-renovated church was inaugurated by Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza on May 21, 2016.

 

Bantwal deanery vicar and Modankap parish priest Fr Maxim Noronha, concelebrated the festal Eucharistic Celebration along with Bellore parish priest Fr Peter Noronha, Modankap assistant parish priest Fr John Baptist Moras, St Dominic CBSE School director Fr Cyril Noronha, Dominical clergies and other priests from across Bantwal deanery on Sunday at 10.00am.

 

Fr John Baptist Moras in his homily said that the intercession and fervent prayers of parishioners to patron Saint Michael, arch angel has been honored in renovating nearly-century old church. He appealed to the parishioners to introspect on family relations that are strained owing to lack of adjustments in changed times. 

 

 

Fr Maxim lauded the sacrifices, voluntary labour of parishioners and relentless efforts of Fr Peter in completing the renovation of church building that has become milestone in the history of Bellore parish. The church completes 100 years in 2020.

 

Bellore parish council vice president Godfrey Fernandes, secretary Louisa Pinto, spiritual Committee president Charles Coelho and other prominent parishioners have taken the leadership in organizing the celebrations.

 

Deepti D’Silva of Kudupu, parishioner of Holy Cross parish, Cordel was ‘Firjent’ of the celebrations. Fr Maxim honored the main sponsor with blessed candle.

 

Fr Peter distributed the blessed candles to all sponsors before beginning the festal Eucharistic Celebrations.

 

The choir led by Vijay Fernandes presented melodious music during the liturgical celebrations.

 

The brass band in the background enhanced the celebrations by presenting hymns an hour before the festal Mass.

 

ICYM parish unit put up many amusement stalls that were thronged by parishioners and others.

 

The faithful and brethrens of other communities also placed lighted candles in honor of St Michael at the church.

 

The Confraternity Sunday marked Eucharistic procession led by Professor Fr Ronald Serrao of St Joseph Inter-diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru on December 25 evening. Three-day novena in honor of St Michael was held as preparation for annual feast.

 

The faithful were nostalgic to attend annual feast that was held after a gap of 4 years. A large number of faithful were present on the occasion.