Pics: Sany Digital Studio Udupi/Kalmady
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 14: The annual feast of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi was celebrated with great devotion and festivity on November 11 and 12. Hundreds of faithful participated in the two-day celebrations marked by solemn Eucharistic services, meaningful homilies and community fellowship.
The festal Holy Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Andrew Dsouza, parish priest of Bondel Church. Delivering a thought-provoking homily, he highlighted faith, hope and love as the three pillars of life, with love as the greatest among them.
“Living with love and sacrifice is most important. Even if we lack many things, if these three invisible virtues are present in our families, our lives become truly happy,” he said.
He further reflected on Mother Mary’s hopeful journey through hardships, urging the faithful to respect one another at home. “We may pray once a year, but often fail to communicate lovingly with our parents. Celebrations must begin in our families,” he added.
During the Vespers service, Fr Dixon Monteiro, assistant parish priest of Moodubelle, delivered the homily focusing on empathy. Quoting the wedding at Cana, he said, “Empathy is the starting point for every innovation. Mother Mary understood the difficulties faced at Cana and acted with deep faith in Jesus.”
He called on the congregation to move beyond mere sympathy and instead embrace empathy with action. “When I cannot see the way, I still trust the One who is the Way,” he said, reminding the faithful of Mother Mary’s role in initiating Jesus’ first miracle.
Fr Charles Menezes, parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, expressed gratitude to parishioners, volunteers and all well-wishers for their support in organizing the feast.
The celebrations witnessed the presence of several dignitaries and clergy, including Fr Vijay D'Souza, principal of St Mary’s English Medium School; Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of the Diocese of Udupi; Fr Steevan D'Souza, chancellor of the diocese; Fr Anil D'Souza, parish priest of Udyavar; and other priests from the deanery.
The annual feast concluded on a devotional note, reflecting the parish community’s unity, gratitude and deep faith.