News & pics: Richard D'Souza
Udupi, Jan 1: The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God was celebrated on the New Year’s Eve with devotion at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur here on December 31.
The evening liturgy started with the adoration of the Holy Sacrament from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm led by Fr Lancy Fernandes, assistant parish priest of the cathedral.
Fr Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese concelebrated the Solemnity Eucharistic celebrations along with Fr Stany B Lobo, the rector of Milagres Cathedral, Fr Rolwin Aranha, assistant parish priest, Fr Henry Mascarenhas, estate head, diocese of Udupi, Fr Herald Mathias, superior of Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur, Fr Lancy Fernandes, principal of Milagres English Medium School and assistant parish priest of Milagres and Fr Nelson Furtado.
In his homily, Fr Rolwin Aranha said, “Mother Mary is the Mother of God in the sense that she carried in her womb a divine person – Jesus Christ, God in flesh (John 1-14) and the sense that she contributed the genetic matter in human form that God took in Jesus Christ. We firmly believe in the incarnation of our Lord, Mary. Mother Mary consents to God’s invitation conveyed by the angel (Luke 1.26-38). Mary’s role as Mother of God places her in unique in God’s redemptive plan. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory. The glory of an only Son coming from the Father filled with enduring love.
“The Angel of God has given the introduction of Mary and Mother Mary is role model for Her devotees. Mother Mary helps us to keep good life. She is the mediator between God and us. Mary is the way to go closer to the Lord.
“We should change our thinking for better life in years to come. The Sacrament of Repentance will lead us better to go with Jesus. Pope Francis gave us call to preserve environment. It is time to look back, with thanksgiving, but also look forward into a new future with new thinking,” he said.
At the end of the mass, Fr Stany B Lobo gave gratitude to all concerned for the grand celebrations and conveyed wishes on the occasion of New Year 2018. He said that most of the developmental projects were concluded. But yet three projects like installation of 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Cathedral premises with levelling of the premises with interlocks and the works in cemetery are underway. He called generous donors to donate to help complete these pending projects.
Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo said, “Mother Mary is the patroness of our Cathedral as well as the diocese. Our Lady of Miracles helps us in all our needs. Pastoral commissions have been instilled in all the churches of the diocese. Twelve new churches have been built with three churches being renovated. A new plot was purchased from Cathedral parishioner Robert Cornelio of Kakkunje for the diocese pastoral building. The house for the priests has already been established. Let us start being together in family prayers, eating together with the family and talking with love in our family.” He conveyed his best wishes for the faithful on the occasion of New Year 2018.