Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiword Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jan 7: Thousands of faithful on Sunday January 7 participated in the annual Eucharist procession of Mangaluru diocese held from Milagres Church to Rosario Cathedral here.
Prior to the procession, Mass was offered by bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza at Milagres Church. The procession led by the bishop culminated at Rosario Cathedral where adoration was held.
In his message during the adoration, Fr Antony Serrao, parish priest of Bendore said, "Eucharist unites and binds us with Jesus Christ. It is a celebration of faith which leads and prepares us to experience Almighty's grace.
"For this year's Eucharistic procession, the message is 'Mother Mary the Woman of the Eucharist'. Each and every moment of her life, Mother Mary followed her son, Jesus Christ. She accepted God's message and kept everything close to her heart, which happened as per the Almighty's wish.
"Mother Mary is a role model to us. We should follow her life dedicated to the Heavenly Father. It will help us live with holiness and with blessings," he added.
After the adoration, the bishop unveiled the logo of the Year of Rosary declaring that on the completion of 450 years of Rosario Cathedral, the diocese of Mangaluru will be observing the year 2018 as Year of Rosary. He then released a booklet consisting of the apostolic letter of the late Pope John Paul II regarding the Rosary.
In his message, bishop Dr Aloysius said, "This Eucharistic procession started in 1968 by the late bishop Basil S D'Souza has today completed 50 years. Every year, thousands of devotees come here and experience the love of our saviour Jesus Christ. I too have been a part of this procession for the past 40 years. Today you have come here with the love of Jesus Christ. He will shower his blessings on you."
"This year has been declared as the Year of Rosary with two specific motives. First, that Rosario Cathedral, the oldest church in Mangaluru diocese has completed 450 years of its existence. This church began as a small chapel 450 years ago. To commemorate this great event, 2018 has been declared as the Year of Rosary. Secondly, this year is the year of elections in the state. So we should pray to the faithful Rosary that we get a good government in our state," he said.
The bishop congratulated all the parish priests and the faithful who contributed immensely towards the Mission Sunday collection.