Udupi/M’Belle: Members of Franciscan Tertiary Order celebrate the feast of their founder

By Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 04 Oct 2014: The members of Franciscan Secular Tertiary Order (Third Order) celebrated the feast of their founder and patron St. Francis of Assisi on Saturday, 4 October 2014 at 4 pm with solemn feast mass jointly offered by Rev. Fr. Anil Sunil (OFM Cap) as the chief celebrant, Rev. Fr. Robert Lasrado (OFM Cap), Rev. Fr. Valerian D’Silva (OFM Cap) and Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, parish priest as concelebrants.

 

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Robert Lasrado explained the meaning of the readings from the Holy Scriptures and also highlighted the life and mission of St. Francis of Assisi founder of the Franciscan Order who was born at Assisi in Umbria, Italy in 1182 and died there on 3 October, 1226.  He founded the men’s Order of Friars Minor (OFM), the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the Third Order of Saint Francis for men and women. Fr. Robert said that St. Francis of Assisi was a man of prayer, penance and peace. He was one of the earliest promoters environmental protection. Realizing the greatness of St. Francis of Assisi, the present pope on his election adopted the name ‘Francis’ after St. Francis of Assisi.

 

 

The entire feast mass was animated by the members of the Tertiary Order including the readings and choir.

 

Following the end of the feast mass, a brief stage function was organized in the parish hall. Alphonse K. Alva-Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council and Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes appreciated the good work that is being done throughout the year by the members of the Tertiary Order and extended the greetings of the feast of their founder.

 

The Secular Franciscan Tertiary Order has been in existence in Moodubelle since 63 years.

 

Besides the priests from the Assisi Nilaya, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, and Alphonse K. Alva,  the function was attended by Sr. Irene Viegas-Superior of the Loreto Convent, Mrs. Emilia Noronha-Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Ignatius Monis-Convener of the Small Christian Communities and Mrs. Gladys Rebello-President of Catholic Sabha.

 

Mrs. Nancy D’Souza, President of the Tertiary Order welcomed the gathering, Mrs. Mary D’Silva-Secretary of the Tertiary Order read the annual report, Mrs. Sobina Martis proposed the vote of thanks and Mrs. Helen D’Souza compered the programme.