Parishioners of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi celebrate Annual Parish Feast

By Benedict Noronha, Udupi
Pictures by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 18 November 2010: The much awaited annual parish feast of the Mother of Sorrows Church was celebrated with great enthusiasm and overwhelming participation not only form the parishioners of Udupi, but also from the people from neighbouring regions. It was indeed a pleasing  sight to see children, young and old in their fine dresses occupying the vantage points inside the church so as to participate meaningfully in the grand solemn feast mass. Even before the feast mass started, the church was packed to the capacity.  

 

At 10-00 a.m. the founder, benefactors and donors of the original church as well as those who have been supporting the parish through their generous contributions were honoured by presenting to them the ‘Candles of Honour’ by the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Mathew Vaz. The list was quite lengthy which is the true index of the involvement of the people in the church activities.

 

The solemn feast high mass started at 10.30 am. Rev. Fr. Francis Serrao, S.J., the Jesuit  Provincial of Karnataka was the chief celebrant who was accompanied by Rev. Dr. Baptist Menezes and Rev. Fr. Mathew Vas and actively assisted by Fr. Melwyn Noronha, the assistant parish priest of Udupi. Many priests from various parishes of the Udupi Varado as well as other varados joined in the concelebrating the holy mass. The singing by the church choir led by Henry D’Silva was melodious and heart lifting. The Shantipura-Pamboor Brass Band added to the charm of tha nnual parish feast. The church was elegantly decorated with fresh and artificial flowers.

 

Following the end of the solemn feast mass, people ventured out to have some fun and excitement. The ICYM and Y.C.S. youth of  the Udupi Paris had put up stalls with lucky and amusing games. There were stalls displaying religious articles and other stalls displaying verities of articles. The sweet meat stalls with assorted items were quite attractive. 

 

No doubt, the annual parish feast is an opportunity for the parishioners to revive their spirituality and renew their contacts with their family members, relatives and friends. This is one of the occasions every year during which relationships are renewed and acquaintances are made. Annual feasts have been ideal religio-social event that many people look forward. I this respect, the annual parish feast of Udupi has fulfilled its objective. People not only actively participated in the holy mass, but also offered candles to Mother of Sorrows for the favours that they had received so far and asking for news favours.