Vespers observed in St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle on the eve of Annual Feast

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 07 Jan 2025: Vespers on the eve of the Annual Parish Feast was observed with great devotion in St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle on Tuesday, 07 January 2025. The chief features of the Vespers were the blessing of the Cherel of St. Lawrence on the Cross Hill next to the church, meditation on the Word of God and the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Fr. Leo Lasrado, Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education (CBE) Mangalore the chief celebrant of the Vespers.

 

At 6.30 pm, parishioners proceeded to the Cross Hill where the youth carried the Cherel of St. Lawrence. After a brief prayer service, Fr. Leo Lasrado recited the prayer and blessed and incensed the Cherel of St. Lawrence. Thereafter, people returned in procession to the church.

 

Unlike previous Vespers, this year the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament along with reading from the Holy Scriptures, homily and Sacramental Blessing marked the proceedings.

 

After reading from the Gospel, Fr. Leo Lasrado in his homily said that like Jesus told His disciples “Your are the Salt of the earth and Light of the World”, all Christians are the salt of the earth and light of the world. Jesus did not say that you should become the salt and light but you are. We should not lose hope and become depressed in spite of all the negative news that we read in newspapers and media. Every person has distinct mission in life. As salt and light have no expiry date so also Christians do not retire, but carry on God’s mission. 

 

Following the homily, Fr. Leo Lasrado conferred the Blessing of the Sacrament.

 

Besides Fr. George D’Souza-Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Mooddubelle and Fr. Rikson Monteiro-Assistant Parish Priest, Fr. Roshan D’Souza-Chancellor of the Udupi Diocese, Fr. Charles Menezes-Dean of Udupi Deanery, Fr. Joswey Fernandes-former Parish Priest of Moodubelle  and a number of priests from the Udupi and other Deaneries were present.

 

The surroundings of the church kept up the aura of the annual feast. The church building as well as the shrine, belfry and Grotto were illuminated with colourful lights changing the colour and patterns at regular intervals.

 

Stalls with variety of articles and consumer items have been set up in the vacant space that was available in the church premises in front of the Community Hall and down through the road leading to the St. Lawrence PU College. Merry-go-round and other exciting gaming points have been set up in the St. Lawrence English Medium School.

 

Devotees of St. Lawrence were seen praying in front of the Shrine of St. Lawrence and offering lighted candles.