Vespers observed with devotion on the eve of the annual parish feast at Lady of Health, Shirva

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Shirva/Manchakal, 03 Feb 2017: On the eve of the annual parish feast of Lady of Health, of Shirva Parish, the Vespers (Besp in Konkani) was observed with great devotion and gaiety on the evening of Tuesday, 31 January 2017 evening.

 

The church as well as the premises was illuminated 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 Sun-Shine band played tunes of hymns that manifested the festive occasion. The festive ambience could be experienced through various stalls that were put up by the right side of the church.

 

The chief celebrant of the Vespers was Rev. Fr. Herald Pereira, (Director, Commision for small Christian communities (SCC, Udupi Diocese). The vespers service was also attended by many neighboring priests accompanied by Rev. Fr. Stanly Tauro (Parish Priest) and resident priests of the Shirva Parish.

 

 

The Vespers service commenced at the Circle near Syndicate Bank where faithful had assembled by 6.15 pm which began with reciting of Rosary. Rev. Fr. Herald Pereira conducted the prayer service and blessed the ‘Cherel’ of Lady of Health which was decorated with loads of Flowers and illuminated with lights. Following the service at the circle, the faithful went in procession carrying lighted candles accompanied by the brass band with great devotion.

 

In the Vespers Service was held and concluded with the devotion and blessing of Holy Sacrament and a brief homily was delivered by the Celebrant Priest wherein he highlighted the slogan of ICYM National Convention held recently in Mangalore i.e. “Touch by Jesus, Walking in His way“. He elaborated on this saying that touch by Jesus is Touch by Word of God. He also narrated a incident that two tribes in Northern India who were fighting each other were touched by Jesus when a Priest brought them together with the word of Jesus and restored peace. Rev. Fr. Stanly Tauro thanked each and everyone who have been part of the celebrations, mainly the youth, parish council members, volunteers and police personal for keeping watch on devotees.

 

On this occasion Mr. Vinay Kumar Sorake (Ex Minister for Urban Development-Karnataka) paid a courtesy visit and prayed at the altar. He was received warmly by Fr. Stany Tauro and office bearers of Parish Council (Wilson D’Souza – VP).  Fr. Stany Tauro offered him a Blessed Candle on the occasion for which Mr. Sorake thanked him and extended his greetngs to the people of Shirva on the auspicious occasion of Vespers and Parish Feast.

 

People were seen greeting each other, visiting the stalls and lighting candles at the side of the church and seeking blessing of Lady of Health.. ICYM members put of loads of stalls and conducted various games which were heavily crowded until 10pm. People enjoyed all the games, variety of Ice creams, food stalls, gaint wheels etc.

 

The main Holy Eucharistic Mass was held on 1st February at 10:30am) on the annual feast of Lady of Health Parish, Shirva. The report of the Feast Mass will be reported here soon.