Udupi: Varado level Way of the Cross held at St. Antony’s Church, Kuntalnagar

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 22 Mar 2015: Solemnity and devotion marked the Varado level outdoor Way of the Cross at St. Antony’s Church, Kuntalnagar on Sunday, 22 March 2015 from 5 pm to 6.30 pm. Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, lecturer at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore conducted the devotion of the Way of the Cross.

 

Prior to the Way of the Cross, arrangements for the Sacrament of Reconciliation was arranged followed by the blessing of the Sacrament and holy mass at 4 pm. Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Dean of Udupi Varado concelebrated the holy mass along with other priests from the Varado.

 

Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes in his homily emphasized on the aspect of reconciliation. He said that rather than dying with anger and revenge, it is better to live with reconciliation and forgiveness. Narrating incidents from the Old Testament, Fr. Clifford pointed out many instances in which biblical characters had suffered due to anger and grudge.  A simple word such as ‘sorry’ in life can absolve many mistakes and absolve the mistakes. Suppression of anger and grudge would lead to mental and physical illness of the one who nurtures these ill-feelings.

 

 

At the end of the holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi Diocese and Parish Priest of Kuntalnagar pointed out that the church in India has been undergoing attacks from certain quarters particularly since the last three to four months with attacks on church buildings in certain places, rape of 71 year of nun in West Bengal, abduction of a sister in Mangalore and negative propaganda about Blessed Mother Theresa. He urged the faithful to participate in the Way of the Cross with devotion and a sense of sacrifice keeping in mind the sufferings of the church.

 

Following the end of the mass, the Vice President of Kuntalnagar Parish Pastoral Council and  two representatives carried the cross and candles to the stage in the church compound and people gathered around the stage along with the priests.

 

 

Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes conducted the devotion of the Way of the Cross. The meditation during each Station of the Cross comprised of relevant and appropriate readings from the Gospels read in turn by four youths of the parish-Roshan Sequeira, Valita Lobo, Antony Mendonca and Diana Sequeira. Fr. Clifford narrated the significance of each of the Station of the Cross and linked it with the day to day life of individuals and families.

 

Vice Presidents and two representatives from each of the nine parishes of the Udupi Varado carried the Cross and candles during the Way of the Cross. The solemnity and devotion pervaded the entire conduct of the Way of the Cross. The choir sang Lenten hymns.

 

The cool breeze, greenery surrounding the Kuntalnagar Hill and the setting of the sun in the western horizon provided the appropriate atmosphere to the devotion of the Way of the Cross.

 

Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, in his brief message, appreciated the arrangements that were made for the Udupi Varado level Way of the Cross by the parishioners of Kuntalnagar under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa.

 

A number of priests including Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro, Dean of Shirva Varado and Mr. Oscar Fernandes and his wife were also present for the Way of the Cross.