Udupi/M’Belle: Vespers observed with traditional gaiety on the eve of the annual parish feast

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 06 Jan 2015: On the eve of the annual parish feast, the Vespers with all its traditional moorings was observed with great devotion, enthusiasm and gaiety in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle on the evening of Tuesday, 6 January 2014 from 6.30 pm to 8 pm.

 

The church as well as the premises were decked in decorative lighting which manifested itself as the night approached. The facade of the church and the belfry were elegant to view through colourful lighting. The brass band played tunes of hymns that manifested the festive occasion. The floral decoration of the main altar by the Loreto Convent Sisters was aesthetic. The festive ambience could be experienced through various stalls that were put up by the right side of the church as well as on both sides of the road leading to St. Lawrence PU College.

 

The chief celebrant of the Vespers was Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino, a native of Attur-Karkala and presently professor at St. Mary’s College, Shirva. Besides the priests of the parish, Rev. Fr. Fred Masarenhas-Dean of Uudpi Varado, Rev. Fr. Stany Lobo-Dean of Kallianpur Varado, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa-PRO of Udupi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Chetan Lobo(OFM Cap)-Editor of ‘Uzvaad’, many priests of the Udupi Varado and guest priests were present for the Vespers.

 

The Vespers service commenced at the Cross Hill where faithful had assembled by 6.30 pm. Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino conducted the prayer service and blessed the ‘Cherel’ of St. Lawrence. Following the service on the Cross Hill, the faithful went in procession carrying lighted candles accompanied by the brass band and the ’Cherel carried by ICYM volunteers entered the church after passing through the main road from the Cross Hill.

 

 

 

Following the readings from the scriptures, Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino in his touching homily emphasised on the role of the family and the responsibilities of the parents and children. By giving ample examples from the Holy Scriptures, Fr. Anil pointed out how Jesus Himself through his miracles and  parables highlighted the importance of family and joy and happiness in families.

 

The homily was followed by the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament conducted by Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino.

 

The choir,  trained by Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira enlivened the festive mood through its melodious ssinging.

 

The book titled ‘Dalit’ written by Rev. Fr. Denis Castelino which is a collection of  seven articles with the forward by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese was released on this occasion.

 

Following an introduction by HM Pernal, Editor of ‘Arso’ Fortnightly and ‘Kittall’ website, Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino along with Rev. Joswey Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Roshan Menezes OFM Cap and Fr. Denis Castelino released the book and copies were distributed to all the priests present.

 

 

Fireworks lighted the dark sky by the side of the illuminated church tower that enhanced the gaiety of the occasion. People were seen greeting each other, visiting the stalls and lighting candles by the side of the shrine.