Mangaluru: Fourteen couples entered into wedlock in the presence of a large gathering at the mass marriage ceremony organized by St Vincent D Paul Society, at the Rosario Cathedral here on May 3.
The 41th mass marriage nuptial mass was celebrated by Dr Aloysius D’Souza (Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese) along with Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Fr J B Crasta (Parish Priest Rosario Cathedral) and other priests. In his homily Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu said that marriage is a gift from God, and every man and woman should honour it, respect it and carry out the commitment of the institution of marriage. He said, “Marriage is a sacrament that not only unites man and woman, but it also unites them with Christ.”
Bishop Dr Aloysius D’Souza along with 8 other priests administered the vows to 14 couples. Bishop D’Souza, after the mass, advised the couples to be understanding and dedicated towards their partners and to love each other. He asked them to share every moment of happiness and sorrow together. He also said that the couples were fortunate to tie the matrimonial knot at the altar of the historic Rosario Cathedral. “Thanks to the church committee, this heavenly ceremony binds young hearts in holy matrimony,” he said.
The nuptial mass was followed by a reception at the Rosario School Grounds. Newly wedded couple John and Diana Fernandes lit the traditional lamp on behalf of all the newly weds.
Parish Priest of Rosario Cathedral Fr J B Crasta welcomed the gathering. The Vice President of Catholic Association of South Canara, Richard Rodrigues, was the chief guest. Addressing the gathering Richard said, “Marriage is a holy sacrament, and it is a gift from God. In every one’s life, his/her wedding day is a special day when a person whole heartedly accepts the opposite sex as his own and their dreams and desires become one. From today onwards, you are not “me” and “You” but you are one and you have to say “We”. Whoever prays together, will live together. Give importance to prayers in your daily life and keep in mind that understanding is the key for a successful marriage.” While concluding, he advised the newly weds to treat their spouses equally and wished them a happy and healthy married life.
He also congratulated the SVP members for their yeomen service to the society from the past 41 years. More than 1000 guests participated in the celebrations. Apart from the wedding ceremony, each couple was also gifted with dress material and household articles.
SVP member Dolphy Tauro handed over the brides to their grooms and SVP member Lawrence Pinto accepted the brides on behalf of grooms.
Secretary of SVP, Rita Monteiro delivered the vote of thanks. After the customary exchange of rings, the couples sought blessings from the elders. They were later treated to a wedding lunch.