Moodubelle: Christmas spirit warms up the cold night and spreads the message of peace

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Pictures by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 24 December 2011: Though it was cold evening  progressing towards darkness and chill, the Christmas spirit  warmed up the atmosphere with devotional Carol singing, solemn Christmas Mass and excitement following the church service on Saturday, December 24, 2011. The long wait for the joyful celebration was over and people in their best of dresses thronged the church to spiritually enrich themselves and later participate in social celebration of the great feast of Christmas.

 

The exterior of the church building was glowing with colourful electric lighting that was appropriate for the festive mood. The interior of the  church was filled to capacity by 6.45 pm when the Church Choir under the leadership of Br. Mahesh D’Souza sang beautifully the Konkani Christmas Carols. The Solemn Christmas Feast Mass commenced at 7.15 pm with six priests coming in procession to the main altar led by the altar servers. Fr. Charles Menezes, a native of Moodubelle and the National Director of YCS was the chief celebrant and was assisted by Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Fr. Paul Sequeira, Fr. Lancy Saldanha, Fr. William D’Souza and Fr. Maxim Pinto (OFM-Cap). Fr. Maxim Pinto delivered homily with Christmas message of love, peace and justice.

 

 

At the end of the Mass, Fr. Joswey Fernandes extended the greetings of Christmas to all parishioners. Mrs. Meera Lobo-editor of the parish magazine “Suvaad” read out the names of the winners of the competitions held in painting and poetry writing. The prizes were distributed by Fr. Joswey Fernandes.

 

The statue of Baby Jesus  was taken in procession and was laid devoutly at the Christmas Crib prepared with imagination by ICYM volunteers under the guidance of Br. Mahesh D’Souza, Br. Roy Lobo and Br. Ivan Martis near the Grotto. A huge cake, in the shape of the church costing around Rs. 8,000/-was later auctioned by the ICYM members. After hectic bidding, the cake was claimed by Jeetesh Aranha of Edmer for Rs. 16,000/-There was also housie game to for  those parishioners who stayed back for some fun and entertainment.