By Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi
Udupi, May 14: The centenary jubilee celebration of the Apparition of Our lady of Fatima, patron feast of the church, blessing of new church entrance door and inauguration of Our Lady of Fatima statue ‘Grotto’ at St Agnes Convent were held on Saturday May 13 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Perampalli with great joy.
Prior to the thanksgiving holy mass, Fr Romeo Lewis blessed and inaugurated the newly built grotto and statue of Our Lady of Fatima which was donated by Antony Alice D’Souza on their 25th wedding anniversary which was built at St Agnes Convent, Perampalli.
After that Fr Romeo Lewis blessed the new entrance door of the newly constructed church.
Fr Charles presided over the holy Eucharistic celebrations while Fr Vincent, Fr Anil D’Costa, Fr Brayan and Fr Romeo were the con-celebrants on the occasion.
In his homily, Fr Anil D'Costa said, “We are privileged to gather here to celebrate the centenary jubilee celebration of apparition of Our Lady of Fathima. Mother plays a major role in the family. She is a great treasure without pressure. She is a person who keeps her family together. She becomes a role model to her children through her efforts and sacrifices. If our earthly mother can be so dear to us then even our heavenly mother Mary can be so near to us.”
“When we pray in faith with her, she will bless us through Jesus Christ. She appeared in front of small children a century ago. Those children were pure in heart. She appeared in front of those children on 13th of May, June, July, August, September and October. These dates are celebrated with different names of Mother Marry worldwide.”
To mark 100 year of apparition, parishioners brought 100 types of offerings which were put into auction after the Eucharistic celebrations.
Fr Romeo honored Antony and Alice D’Souza for being the pirgent of the feast. They are celebrating this feast every year on the same day as pirgent.
Other donors were also honored for sponsoring a new organ to the new church choir. A fellowship meal was arranged by Antony and Alice D’Souza on the occasion.
A grand inaugural ceremony of the new church will be held on November 21, 2017.