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

By Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 03 Apr 2017: The Udupi Deanery  level annual Way of the Cross was held in the premises of St. Antony’s Church, Kuntalnagar on Sunday, 2 April 2017. The three part spiritual exercise as part of the Lenten devotion comprised of Confessions from 3.30 to 4.30 pm, holy mass from 4.30 to 5.30 pm and Way of the Cross from 5.30 to 6.30 pm.

 

The holy mass prior to the Way of the Cross was concelebrated by Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese along with other priests from the Udupi Deanery including Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Dean of Udupi Varado and Parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, Fr. Reginald Pinto, Director of ‘Sampada’ who also preached homily and conducted the Way of the Cross, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi Diocese and Parish priest of Kuntalnagar and other priests.

 

 

In his homily, Fr. Reginald Pinto highlighted the theme of the day’s scriptures, that is, the ‘Resurrection and the Life’. Giving various examples from the Old and New Testament, Fr. Reginald Pinto said that while the body drags one to sin, the soul drives him towards God. While there are sins of commission, one cannot ignore the sins of omission, that is, not fulfilling one’s obligations and promises made to God while receiving Sacraments.  Not fulfilling one’s responsibilities and duties a person commits the sins of omission.

 

Soon after the holy mass,   people reverently moved out of the church and gathered in front of the stage in the church premises. Fr. Reginald Pinto conducted the Way of the Cross from the stage along with the  choir and scripture readers.

 

As there are nine parishes in the Udupi Deanery, three representatives from each of the parish carried the Crucifix and two candles in rotation standing in front of each Station of the Cross.

 

The Way of the Cross was thoughtfully compiled by Fr. Reginald Pinto. Following the introduction of each Station of the Cross, relevant passages from Old and New Testaments were read by the members of the Liturgy Committee. Thereafter, Fr. Reginald Pinto gave contemplation on the scripture passage linking to the theme of the Station of the Cross and its relevance to the life and activities of individuals. Greater emphasis was laid on the environmental issues and the relationship between God,  humans and environment.

 

 

A large number of people from different parishes participated in the holy mass and the Way of the Cross including the priests and the Bishop. There was perfect silence, devotion and  reverence through the Way of the Cross that covered nearly an hour.

 

At the end of the Way of the Cross, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo in his message highlighted the significance of the Deanery level Way of the Cross during the holy season of the Lent. He also thanked Fr. Denis D’Sa and the parishioners of Kuntalnagar for organizing the spiritual exercise of Confessions, holy mass and the Way of the Cross in their parish.

 

Fr. Denis D’Sa, Parish Priest of Kuntalnagar appreciated the presence of a large number of people and priests from different parishes of the Deanery for the annual Deanery level Way of the Cross.