Mangaluru: Catholics of City devoutly partake in historical Eucharistic Procession

By Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes
Pics: John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 02 Jan 2022: After a long gap of 2years, Catholics in Mangaluru have partaken in a partaken in a solemn Eucharistic procession from Milagres Church to Rosario Cathedral, observing all Covid guidelines laid by the state administration here held on Sunday, January 2.

 

Earlier, Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangaluru diocese concelebrated Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Miracles church, Milagres, here on Sunday, January 2 afternoon.

 

The procession led by the bishop culminated at Rosario Cathedral with adoration.

 

The Eucharistic procession was held on the solemnity of the Epiphany also called Feast of the Epiphany, Theophany or Three Kings’ Day, commemorating the first manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, and the manifestation of his divinity.

 

 

In his homily, the bishop said, ‘The three kings from the East who came in search of Jesus, succeeded in finding Him through the Scriptures, as unfolded to them by the Scribes.’ He further said, ‘The Word of God in our hands is our Star pointing towards Jesus. The Gospel itself becomes our star which draws us unto Jesus. Our hearts will burn with the Word of God when we read and reflect on it. The Word of God will make us realize that Jesus walks with us,’ he added.

 

All the faithful participated in the procession with utmost devotion and discipline following the Covid guidelines. The procession went in two lines limiting the number of people in a group to 250.

 

Due to the pandemic the annual procession was not held for two years. This year too, due to Omicron Virus, the Church authorities were informed about the protocols. The organizing committee followed all the guidelines faithfully.

 

Fr Dr Vincent Sequeira, director of Diocesan Biblical Commission and the assistant director of Mangala Jyothi, in his homily elaborated on the theme, ‘Families burning with the love of the Word of God.’ He laid emphasis on the close relationship between the Word of God and the Christian family.

 

He stressed that tuning one’s ears to the word of God is rooted in the sacrament of baptism itself, where one becomes the child of God and a member of the larger family, the Church. ‘By listening to the Word of God, we become the ‘insiders’ in the family of Jesus-his brothers, sisters and mother,’ said Fr Vincent.

 

Christian family draws its strength and source from the Bible, and it is deeply rooted in it. ’We are invited to heed to the word of God and fall in love with it so that we may be wise people who build their house on the rock,’ he added.

 

Fr Vijay Machado, director of Mangala Jyothi animated the ceremony. The bishop thanked all for making this procession a great success amidst all uncertainties.