Udupi: Pangla St. John’s Parish celebrates Annual Feast with grandeur and devotion
By Alphonse Mendonca
Bellevision Media Network
Shankerpura, 29 Dec: The much awaited Annual Parish Feast of St. John Evangelist Church of Pangla Parish celebrated with devotion and grandeur on 27th December 2018.
The celebration began with distribution of candles of honour to the members of various associations of the parish, Parish Council members and donors. The chief celebrant of the solemn Eucharist Feast Mass was Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, Parish priest , Shirva Parish and Dean of Shirva Deanery) and co-celebrant was Rev. Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves (Parish Priest, Pangla). More than 20 priests of various parishes, and priests of Pangla Parish serving missions in Mangalore and other parts of India attended. Large number of faithful of all religions also attended the mass.
In his meaningful homily, Fr. Denis highlighted the family values and living a very simple life. He said “this is the feast of love and that transforms into holiness at our homes.. The journey of holiness begins with the first step in the family. Today’s theme is with living a holy life lets us implore Gods love in our family. In the gospel of St. John the Evangelist, the word “Love” is highlighted 103 times so it is very important to love one another and show sympathy towards others, especially our fellow men by helping in their needs and problems.” He further said that to become a saint it is not important to lead a very prayerful life but live a simple life. He gave some examples of sainthood such as a mother loving and taking of care of a son with all his mischivousness is saint. A father working hard to feed his family be here in our village or in the gulf is saint. You can be saint anywhere. He concluded saying that the real Christian life begins at the gate of the church after leaving the mass at the church. In the church only prayers but real life starts after leaving the mass/prayers at the church by helping others.
Fr. Ferdinand thanked Fr. Denis for his meaningful homily. He also thanked all the priests who attended the Feast Mass from various parishes, especially all the Parishioners for their support, co-ordination in carrying out all the duties and responsibilities of the parish for the last one week during Christmas Season and finally the media persons for their exclusive coverage of various parish and school activities.
Fr. Denis D’Sa in response appreciated Fr. Ferdinand and he also appreciated all the associations, school/college management especially Fr. Royson Fernandes (Asst. Parish Priest and PRO of Udupi Diocese), Fr. Vincent Coello (Principal, St. John’s PU College) and Fr. Romeo (Residence Priest)
After the mass, people enjoyed fun filled games and food stalls and ICYM stalls wherein loads of games were put up by ICYM/YCS members.
