Udupi/Katapadi: Vespers mark the eve of the Annual Parish Feast at St. Vincent De Paul Church

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Katapadi, Nov 19, 2014: In anticipation of the Annual Parish Feast at St. Vincent De Paul Church, Katapadi, the parishioners gathered in large number to celebrate the Vespers on Tuesday, 18 November 2014 at 6.30 pm. Rev. Fr. Francis Cornelio, Parish Priest of Kalattur was the chief celebrant.

 

At 6.30 pm, Rev. Fr. Lawrence D’Almeida, Parish Priest of St. Vincent De Paul Church, Katapadi recited the Angelus and requested the parishioners to congregate near the Grotto for the blessing of the Cherel and procession. As the people gathered at the grotto with lighted candles, Rev. Fr. Francis Cornelio blessed the Cherel bearing the statue of St. Vincent De Paul. Thereafter, the procession started with the brass band right a head followed by people carrying lighted candles.

 

As people returned to the church after the procession, the priests accompanied by the Altar Servers entered the church from the main entrance, the chief celebrant Rev. Fr. Francis Cornelio carrying the Holy Bible and placing it reverently at the stand.

 

 

After readings from the Holy Scriptures, Rev. Fr. Francis Cornelio in his homily highlighted the importance of Vespers saying that on the eve of the annual feast, it has been a tradition to honour the Word of God. While other feasts are common to all Catholics, the Annual Feast has been special for the parishioners of a particular parish. The Word of God is important for the believers as it shows the way of life. Though there is no scarcity of food and drinks in modern times to many, there is hunger and thirst for the Word of God. May people go to retreats to get the Word of God. By citing examples from the Gospel, Rev. Fr. Francis Cornelio pointed out how by using the Word of God  Jesus raised the dead, cast out demons and cured the sick. The Word of God was responsible in transforming the lives of many saints such as St. Augustine, St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis Xavier. Giving example of the patron saint of Katapadi, St. Vincent De Paul, Rev. Fr. Francis Cornelio said that the saint lived the Word of God by helping the poor and destitute.

 

The homily was followed by the adoration of the Blessed sacrament followed by Eucharistic Blessing.

 

Rev. Fr. Lawrence D’Almeida expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas-Dean of Udupi Deanery and Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro-Dean of Shirva Deanery and other guest priests and the parishioners for attending the Vespers.

 

The church was elegantly decorated. The main altar was aesthetically adorned with fresh flowers which enhanced the festive mood. The choir rendered hymns with melodious tunes and flawless singing.