News: Fr Noel Lewis
Pics: Shanol Crasta & Harrick D'Souza (Dazz Digital)
Udupi, Jul 23: The feast of Blessed Padre R Z Noronha locally known as 'Hodlo Padreab' (Great Father) was celebrated at St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar, where his sacred relics are entombed, on July 22 and 23 with all devotion and fervour.
Padre R Z Noronha, a Goan Roman Catholic priest who embraced the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox faith in late 1800's, along with Blessed Alvares Mar Julius I (Archbishop of Independent Catholic Mission, Goa , India & Ceylon) and became the founder Vicar General of St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar and led Konkani Orthodox faithful for nearly 50 years was a saintly figure, who performed many miracles and healings in his lifetime, his prayers has been greatly sought by the locals Christian and Non Christian alike drawing thousands of devotees from across the district and all over the globe.
Blessed Noronha's Saintliness was testified when a cross appeared miraculously on his back in the last two years of his life.
Recognising the Saintliness and the many holy attributes of Padre Noronha, the former Supreme Head of Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Syrian Church, late lamented Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II beatified him and Declared him as a 'Regional Saint' of Konkani Orthodox Syrian Community in 2015.
The two day feast began on July 22 evening with festal vespers led by the vicar general Fr M C Mathai. The evening homily delivered by Fr Lawrence D'Souza asserted the historical accounts and writings of Blessed Noronha. On July 23, the Festal Holy Mass was celebrated by the former vicar general Fr G M Skariah Ramban. The festal homily was delivered by Fr David Crasta, who recounted the many of the miracles and withesses of healing through the intercession of Blessed Noronha. Special intercessory prayers were offered at the Tomb of Blessed Noronha. The feast ended with the great final benediction. Fr Abraham Kuriakose, Fr Noel Lewis, Fr Joseph Chacko, Dn Marvin Dsilva were present on the occasion.
The former Catholicos Paulose II, who died a week before was also commemorated during the feast.
On account of Covid-19 Pandemic, there was restrictions on the assembly of people for the feast and was streamed online this year. However, Veneration of the relics was allowed to the general public since the advent of Novena, nine days prior. Numerous devotees have been continually visiting the Tomb of Blessed Noronha, seeking his blessings and intercession.
The sponsors of the feast Martis Rodrigues & fly, Nagarmatta and their immediate family members participated in the festal services.