Renewal of faith in Christ - Mangalore Eucharistic Procession held.

Renewal of faith in Christ - Mangalore Eucharistic Procession held.

IJ Saldanha-Shet.

Mangalore, Jan.3: Mangalorean Konkani Catholics, have been observing the first Sunday of every year to rally together and "Witness to JESUS CHRIST in Peace and harmony" . It is a unique evening of the year when Clergy and Faithful of all surrounding  Catholic churches and institutions join together, as one body to honour CHRIST under the guiding leadership of the Bishop of Mangalore Fr.Aloysius.Paul.D’Souza, Diocesan leaders and communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, 3d January,2010, hundreds of people gathered at Milagres Curch in the heart of the City at 4.PM and participated in a con celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The observance of the Eucharistic year commenced on 4.Jan.2009 and ends a year later today. Marking a  reiteration and renewal of faith.

 
Immediately thereafter a prayerful orderly congregation walked in a solemn procession to Rosario Cathedral. In view of the on going road works the procession was routed through Hamilton circle /State Bank. The focus of the thousands of faithful was the Sacred Blessed Sacrament borne reverently by the Bishop assisted by many Priests, on a decorated vehicle. Playing of bands,singing of hymns and reciting of prayers was an inspiring sight of grace throughout the procession route which was tastefully marked.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The procession culminated on the large Grounds of Rosario Cathedral ( the first catholic church of the area in 1568) the seat of the diocese of Mangalore. The venue was packed choc-a-block to capacity.An open air alter erected for the occasion was beautifully lit and decorated. The venue was well arranged and volunteers guided the participants all along the route and at both the extremities. The Parish Priests of Cathedral and Milagres respectively, Fr.Stany.Goveas and Fr.Walter D’Mello spear headed the arrangements.

 

Police security and medical emergency were well deployed and the occasion had permission.

At the Cathedral Grounds, a homily is set to be preached and after due honour to the Blessed Sacrament and Blessing, the celebration is to come to an end.

 

The organizers of the Annual Eucharistic Procession are elated at the success of the celebration. It is estimated that more than 11,000 participated actively. The Bishop of Mangalore Rev.Dr.A.P.D’Souza in his concluding remarks said that the number of Priests,Religious,Nuns,Novices,Associations and Laity had increased this year.The arrangements were better and faith was apparently deeper.He called for giving witness when faith came under test. He expressed gratitude and thanks to GOD and all concerned.
 
The main message of the event was preached by Rev.Fr.Clifford Fernandes, a professor at St.Joseph’s seminary Mangalore. This powerful speaker quoted extensively from the scriptures. The central idea was the assurance of CHRIST "I am with you till the end of the World". Exhorting the faithful Christian -teachers,doctors,nurses,workers who are contributingg tremendously to the Nation in the traditions of Christ. He added that Christians are people of "Ahimsa" of peace and neighbourliness and there fore must be ’witnesses and ambassadors of Christ.Those who wield the sword will perish by the sword. Christian values of  feeding the hungry,,justice to the suffering and freedom to the enslaved.

 
The mega gathering came to a satisfying conclusion with a dedicating prayer led by the Bishop and  solemn blessing of the Sacrament amidst singing of hymns. The event marks a GOOD beginning to the NEW YEAR 2010!