Bishop Henry D’Souza Graces First Day Annual Feast Mass at Kalmady Church
Udupi: Thousands of the faithful witnessed the first-day feast of Stella Maris Church Kalmady – Malpe here on August 14.
The solemn feast mass was concelebrated by the Dr Henry D’Souza Bishop of Bellary as the chief celebrant.
In his homily, Bishop Henry explained the role of a mother in people’s lives and stressed the importance of praying to Mother Mary who was the divine mother.
“Today, we honour Mary as one who followed the footsteps of her Son in giving her life in service of others. Her life was lived as an act of faith, of trust, of generous abandon to the dictates of the Holy Spirit. It was a constant journey into the unknown, but always in obedience to the will of God.”
“Mother Mary acted in solidarity with the afflicted. She was not insensitive or uninterested in the plight of the needy, the poor and the troubled”.
“Mary has cared and protected us in our journey of life, through all changes and upheavals. Mother Mary, who acts in solidarity with those who are in every kind of need. Therefore, we cannot simply honour her without following her example of care and protection for others. May Mary then help us to be carers and protectors of those who have been entrusted to us. May she also guide us in our Christian discipleship as we seek to be salt to the earth and light for the world. May Mary who is the example par excellence of faith, hope and love intercede for us and make us instruments of grace,” he said.
At the end of the feast mass, Fr Alban D’Souza parish priest of the church conveyed the greetings of the feast to all devotees. He thanked those who helped during the nine days of Novena and also the sponsors.
Udupi denary dean Fr Valerian Mendonca, Udupi Church assistant parish priest Fr Vijay D’Souza, guest priests Fr Romeo Lewis, Fr James Quadros, Fr Prakash, Fr Roshan and others were present.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Catholic Diocese, will be the chief celebrant of the second-day feast mass on August 15 at 10:00 am. On August 15 Masses in other languages will be at 7:00 am (Konkani), 12:00 pm (Konkani), 4:00 pm (Kannada) and 6:00 pm (English). Food will be served to all devotees on the feast day.