Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 12: The Vespers and annual feast of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, were celebrated with religious fervour and devotion on Tuesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 11, respectively.
The Vespers service was presided over by Fr Dr Praveen Leo Lasrado, CBE secretary, who was the main celebrant. Several priests, including Fr Richard Coelho, Fr Baptist Menezes, Fr Vincent Crasta, Fr Anil D'Souza, Fr Manohar, Fr Vijay, Fr Kevin, Fr Michael, Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Fr Leo and Fr Oswald Vas, joined in the religious celebration.
The annual feast Mass on Wednesday was presided over by Fr Charles Menezes, parish priest of Shirva, as the main celebrant. In his homily, he reflected on the importance of faithfulness to God, drawing inspiration from biblical figures such as Abraham, Moses and Isaiah, who placed their unwavering faith in the Almighty and witnessed God's faithfulness in their lives.
He said that Abraham was recognised as the father of faith because of his complete trust in God. Similarly, the faith demonstrated by Moses and Isaiah reflected their belief in the Almighty. "The Lord is never unfaithful to His people," he emphasised.
He further observed that the faithfulness of the faithful over the years had brought them together to celebrate the annual feast. While human beings may sometimes become unfaithful to God and face suffering as a consequence, God never abandons His people or becomes unfaithful to them.
Calling upon the faithful to remain steadfast in their relationship with God, he said that faithfulness should extend to family, the Word of God, nature, life and Mother Mary. He reminded the congregation that God forgives human shortcomings and unfaithfulness when people sincerely seek His help.
He urged everyone to continue living with faith and trust in the Lord, responding to God's constant faithfulness through their own lives.
Fr Steevan D'Souza, chancellor; Fr Leo Praveen D’Souza, assistant parish priest; Fr Vijay D’Souza, principal St Marys English medium school and priests from the deanery and various parts of the diocese were present for the Eucharistic celebration.
Fr Denis D'Sa, parish priest rendered his thanks to all those helped in making the annual feast a grand success.