Launching of the Centenary programmes: Statue of St. Lawrence taken in procession to Fatima ward

Report by Fr. Joswey Fernandes

Moodubelle, 23 February 2010: The parish of St. Lawrence of Moodubelle is completing 100 years this year (1910-2010). The Centenary Year was inaugurated on the annual feast day on 6th January 2010. During this year a number spiritual and community programmes have been planned. One of the important spiritual cum community programmes chalked out for this centenary Year is the journey of the ‘Pilgrim Statue’ of St. Lawrence  to all 22 Wards (Vado) of the parish for one week each.

The spiritual journey of the ‘Pilgrim Statue’ of St. Lawrence to different Wards was launched on Sunday, 21st February 2010 at 4pm in the church. Fatima Ward of Padubettu who’s Gurkar, Mr. Henry Fernandes is also the Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council was chosen as the first ward for the journey of the ’Pilgrim Statue’. Around 150 parishioners were present in the church. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, the parish priest conducted the prayer service. Fr. Paul, Fr. Arun and Fr. Maxim were also present during the prayer service.

Following the prayer service, all those who had assembled in the church went in procession (padayatra) towards the Fatima Ward, a distance of around 4 kilometers. Right in the front of the procession was the band that was sponsored by Mrs. Jacinta D’Souza. The ‘Pilgrim Statue’ of St. Lawrence was carried by Mr. Henry Fernandes on a decorated Jeep that was sponsored by Mr. Harry Martis. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Fr. Paul, Fr. Maxim and Sr. Vineetha also accompanied the procession. On the way the band played music of devotional hymns followed by the processionists singing hymns in honour of St. Lawrence.

 

At around 5pm, the processionists reached the residence of Mr. Henry Fernandes. After offering prayers, Mr. Henry Fernandes explained to the gathered faithful the programme for the entire week which would be followed in other Wards as well. During the week, the statue would be taken to different houses where prayers would be offered and reflection would be made on the life and martyrdom of St. Lawrence. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the parish priest would bless the houses of the Wards. On Thursdays Masses would be offered for the sick and elderly members of the wards. On Fridays and Saturdays community prayers would be offered in the houses of the members where the statue would be kept and on Sundays the Ward Day (Wadyacho Dhees) would be observed with community participating in various spiritual and social activities followed by simple lunch prepared by the Ward members in cooperative spirit.

All those who had participated in the procession were offered light refreshment at the residence of Mr. Henry Hernandes. The representatives of the Ward Mr. Godwin Mathias and Mrs. Reshma Lobo helped Mr. Henry Fernandes, the Gurkar in organising the programme. During this week, the ‘Pilgrim Statue’ of St. Lawrence will be taken to the 15 families that constitute the Fatima Ward.

On Sunday, 28th Febraury 2010,  the statue of St. Lawrence will be taken to St. John the Baptist I Ward. In this way the statue will complete its pilgrim visit to all the Wards of the parish by the end of July and will return to the church on 1st August 2010, the day on which the novena for the feast of St. Lawrence (Calendar Feast) will begin.