Udupi: Vigil Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God celebrated the New Year’s Eve with devotion, at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, diocese of Udupi here, on December 31.
The evening liturgy started with Adoration of the Holy Sacrament from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm led by Deacon Denis Miranda, Capuchin.
The Vigil Solemnity Eucharistic mass was concelebrated by Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese along with Fr Stany B. Lobo the Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Fr Henry Mascarenhas the Estate Head, Diocese of Udupi, Fr Denis Lobo Superior of Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur, Fr. Rollwin Aranha the Asst Parish Priest, Fr Nelson Furtado of Pilar Fathers and Deacon Denis Miranda.
During in his homily, Fr Henry Mascarenhas pointed out the role of Mother Mary with the Jesus, the Son of God. “The life of Jesus begins with Mother Mary. Therefore, it is appropriate that we begin the New Year with a feast of Mary, the Mother of God. Since Mother Mary is the mother of God, she is the mother of joy, let there be joy to the world,” he said.
“Mother Mary is the bridge of God’s relation and through her we start this New Year. We should seek help and guidance from Mother Mary as she never neglects our prayers. We should be thankful to the Lord Almighty that Mother Mary is the patroness of our parish as well as our diocese. It is time to look back, with thanksgiving, but also look forward into a new future,” Fr Henry said.
At the end of the mass, Cathedral Rector Fr Stany B. Lobo conveyed wishes on the occasion of New Year 2016.
Bishop in his message said that Mother Mary was the patroness of our Cathedral as well as the diocese. “As we celebrating Devine Mercy Year, let us be forgive and be merciful to who are in trouble and are in need. Let us start with God by helping each other and helping the poor of poorest,” he said.
After the Eucharistic celebrations, Catholic Sabha, Milagres Cathedral unit distributed prizes for the winners of Elocution competitions. Meanwhile YCS unit organized housie housie games and distributed the prizes.
Large number of faithful participated the New Year’s Vigil services and conveyed wishes each other on the occasion.