Annual Eucharistic Procession Culminates in the Decennial Celebration of the Udupi Diocese

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Pics by Richard DSouza,Kallianpur
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 20 Nov 2022: On the solemn feast of Christ the King, the Udupi Diocese organized the annual Diocesan Eucharistic Procession and Decennial Celebrations of the establishment of the Udupi Diocese on Sunday, 20 November 2022. This was the first such Diocesan Eucharistic Procession following the end of the Covid 19 Pandemic. Around four and a half thousand people spread across 52 parishes of the Udupi Diocese and around 50 priests and religious  participated in this historic event.

 

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Udupi Diocese concelebrated the solemn Eucharistic Mass in the Milagres Cathedral at 3.30 pm. Preaching the homily the Bishop said, “Today we are celebrating the feast of Christ King. Many Kings have ruled in this world and their names are recorded in history books. But here is a King who still reigns and continues to do good deeds for the community and that King is called Christ. Jesus as a King was the King of truth, loyalty and love. Worldly kingdoms are built on rivalry. But Jesus built his kingdom on the concepts of forgiveness and love. Jesus through his life spread the message of peace and forgiveness. We should also follow in his footsteps. He forgives his rivals and opponents. He wishes that everyone should get a life, He confronts sinners. He sacrificed His life for His people”.

 

Following the solemn Mass, Fr Cyril Lobo, Director of the Divyajyothi conducted the adoration of the Holy Eucharist which was followed by the solemn Eucharistic Procession. The brass band led the procession followed by the Cross and the candle bearers. The Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo carried the Blessed Sacrament on a pedestal fitted on a decorated vehicle. The procession moved through the Milagres Cathedral, Ozanam House, Goretti Hospital and Calumniated at the Mount Rosary Church Ground, Santhekatte.

 

 

After the procession, Fr Johnson Sequeira, Principal of St Mary’s English Medium School, Udupi read a passage from the Gospel and delivered the homily highlighting the significance of the Catholic faithful being united in Jesus Christ through the Sacrament of the Eucharist. He said that the Holy Eucharist is a sign of unity, sacrifice and forgiveness. As the branches of a plant cannot survive without the main plant similarly we cannot survive without being united with Jesus and being nourished by his body and blood which is given to us through the Holy Eucharist. The unity with Jesus should be manifested with our unity and love in our families, neighbourhood and parishes”.

 

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo dedicated the Diocese of Udupi to Christ the King through the prayer of dedication. 

 

The choir led by Rev. Fr. Cyril Lobo raised the devotional atmosphere by singing melodious and meaningful hymns during and after the procession.

 

 

Following the general blessing of the Blessed Sacrament imparted by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, a brief stage programme of Decennial Celebration presided over by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo was held. Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca-Rector of the Milagres Cathedral, Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza-Parish Priest of the Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte-Kallianpur, Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza-Chancellor of the Udupi Diocese and Rev. Dr. Leslie D’Souza-Secretary of the Diocesan Senate were on the dais.

 

As the first part of the programme, two books compiled by Dr. Eugene D’Souza of Moodubelle: “Formative Decade-A History of the Diocese of Udupi (2012-2022)” & “Diocese of  Udupi-History of Parishes” was released by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo in the presence of Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca-Editor of the books, Dr. Eugene D’Souza, Commodore Jerome Castelino who sponsored the printing of the books and Melwyn Mascarenhas who designed the covers and provided pictures of the 52 parishes. Following the release of the books all four of them were honoured by the Bishop by offering them shawls and presenting mementos.

 

On this occasion, the Health Care Fund for the needy people was inaugurated by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo. Nearly Rs. 15 lakhs were collectively promised by the generous faithful assembled for this noble cause.

 

The Deans of five Deaneries felicitated Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo on the occasion of the Decennial Celebration Programme. 

 

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, in his brief message expressed his sincere feelings on the completion of the ten years of the existence of the Udupi Diocese. He highlighted the fact that the women’s organizations have been doing excellent work and have been judged as the best women’s organizations among the various dioceses of India. While expressing his satisfaction on the spiritual and material development of the people of the diocese, he said that a lot of work is yet to be done.

 

A documentary highlighting the achievements of the Udupi Diocese during the last decade was released and exhibited on this occasion.

 

 

There was perfect discipline and decorum throughout the procession and the stage programme. Members of the ICYM of the Udupi Diocese and volunteers from various parishes were active in organizing the event. 

 

During the stage programme, all the gathered faithful were served with snacks and grape fruit juice.

 

Leslie Aroza-Director of the Family Commission compered the programme.