Mangaluru: To mark the canonization of Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified, a Eucharistic celebration was held at the the Sacred Heart Monastery, Kankanady here on May 17.
Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese, Aloysius Paul D’Souza, celebrated the mass along with the Bishop of Gulbarga Dr Robert Miranda and 40 other priests from the diocese at the Sacred Heart Monastery, Kankanady. Carmelite priest Fr Gregory D’Souza in his homily said that Saint Mariam Baouardy is a role model for all of us. “We have to follow in her footsteps.” He further said that God blessed everyone with various talents. “Sometimes when our talents become our crosses, we should not lose our faith but strengthen it.”
On behalf of Cloistered Carmel sisters, Episcopal vicar Fr Pius James D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks.
After the mass, there was a stage programme. M P Noronha welcomed the gathering. Bishop Robert Miranda inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais. MLA J R Lobo released the CD on Baouardy and MLA Ivan D’Souza released the brochure. Bannu Fernandes, Corrine Rasquinha and others were felicitated on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Robert Miranda said, “It is a matter of pride for us because one of our sister Mariam Baouardy has become a saint. Jesus taught us to love one another. We should love everyone as Jesus loved us.”
A sound and light act ‘Rahasya Nidhi’, written by Bannu Fernandes and directed by Corrine Rasquinha, was presented on the occasion.
Mayor Jacintha Alfred, vicar general of Mangaluru diocese Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Episcopal vicar of Carmelites Fr Pius James D’Souza, Chancellor Fr Henry Sequeira, chancellor, Parish Priest of Valencia Church Fr James D’Souza, Administrator FMCI Fr Richard Coelho, Fr Joe Tauro, Rector Jeppu Seninary Fr Joseph Martis, Parish Priest Rosario Church Fr J B Crasta, Fr Elias D’Souza, Fr Deepu Fernandes, Sr Jacintha OCCD and others were also present.