Mangaluru: Diocesan Annual Eucharistic Procession Brings Together Faithful from DK

Mangaluru: The annual Eucharistic procession of the Mangalore Catholic diocese began from Milagres church to Rosario Cathedral here on January 3.

Prior to the procession at 3.30 pm, Bishop Dr Aloysius D’Souza celebrated the solemn Mass along with a large number of priests of the diocese and a huge gathering of the faithful. The procession, led by the bishop will be followed by the adoration in the Rosario Cathedral.

The procession will culminate at the Rosario Cathedral grounds. The parish priests and individual representatives who have done the highest collection from the parish for the diocese will be honoured by the bishop with mementoes. The Bishop will address the faithful at the Rosario Cathedral grounds.

Fr Boniface Pinto delivered the keynote address. Statues of Blessed Mary Bowardy and Joseph Vaz were blessed by the Bishop. The blessed statues will be installed on January 10, at the Rosario Cathedral.

The parish priests and individual representatives who were responsible for the highest collection from the parishes for the diocese were honoured by the bishop with mementoes. Cordel Church stood first, Milagres Church second, Bejai Parish third, Derebail Church and Bendur Church in fourth and fifth place respectively. Highest individual collection, Sampige Parish stood first, Nala – Mavinakatte Parish second, Milagres third, Kasaragod fourth and Manjeshwar fifth place.

Leaflet of “Kakulthiche Mukhamol” authored by Fr Boniface Pinto was released by the Bishop. The ‘History of Diocese’, Book authored by Fr Devdatta Kamath and Fr Dr Pius Fidelis Pinto was released by the Bishop. Later Fr Devadatta Kamath and Dr Pius were felicitated by the Bishop.

Later, addressing the faithful, Bishop Dr Aloysius D’Souza called on the congregation to guard their faith, unity and discipline of the church and reflect upon the gift of life entrusted to us by our Creator. He called on the faithful to see God in their neighbours and help them in their needs. He also said to increase devotion to strengthen the faith.

Bishop further said that the Jubilee Year of Mercy 2015-16 was inaugurated on December 13. The motto of the year of Mercy is “Merciful like the Father”. Day-after-day touched by God’s compassion, we also can become compassionate towards others. The motto serves as an invitation to follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measures. Pilgrimages should be conducted to some holy places or churches such as Rosario Cathedral, Carmel Hills, Fathima Retreat House, St Antony Ashram, St Anna Frairy, Bajpe John Paul II Chapel, Pakshikere Church, Belthangady Church and Puttur Church. The Jubilee also entails the granting of indulgences, under the usual condition of reception of the sacrament of reconciliation and Holy communion and reciting special prayers and making pilgrimages. Those who are sick and unable to attend the mass can watch the mass through television. Pray for the intentions of Pope Francis. Visiting the sick and praying for those who have committed crime and are facing punishment in jail. If the accused while passing through the cell door in jail repents for his sins, he will be forgiven, said the bishop.

Bishop Dr Aloysius delivered the vote of thanks.