Udupi Bishop Gerald I Lobo Blesses Oils during Eucharistic Celebration at Milagres Cathedral

By Richard DSouza, Kalianpur
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi,22 Mar 2013: The ritual of blessings the oils was held during the Eucharistic Celebrations at Milagres Cathedral here on Thursday March 21.

 
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo of newly-formed Udupi diocese concelebrated the Eucharistic Celebrations along with diocesan clergies here on Thursday afternoon.

 
A seminar and reflections on Lent was held at Milagres Tri-centenary Hall here from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Thursday.

 
Fr Eugene Lobo SJ preached during reflections on Lent at the occasion.  Udupi diocesan vicar general Fr John Mendonca and Rudolph Rodrigues delivered talk during the seminar.

 
Adoration of Blessed Sacrament was held for the faithful after the confessions.

 

 

 

 
Bishop Dr Gerald in his homily laid emphasis on the importance of priests and their sacrifice.  The priest is a shepherd of community. He is a man ordained by Christ to continue the Savior’s work of Redemption until the end of time. The priest is not just a person who offers sacrifice or a social worker with a religious tag; instead he is a servant - leader of the community, whose members he teaches, guides, administers the sacraments to, and reaches out to bring healing and unity where there is despair and division. Priesthood is a gift from God. He has to face all challenges and problems with the people - the financial crisis, economic inequality, poverty, worker’s rights etc., he gets involved in service to the community. He leads himself and the community. He first seeks God in himself and in others particularly in their needs. The shepherd cannot be isolated from his community where he belongs. The priests are called to communicate, lead, inspire and care for God’s people, said Bishop Dr Gerald.

 
Bishop Dr Gerald blessed the oils during the Holy Mass as an exception, since it is the practice to bless the oils by the clergy on Maundy Thursday at their respective parishes. 

  
 
It is significant that the blessing of oils was done for the first time ever in the newly-formed Udupi diocese at Milagres cathedral.

 
 
Bishop Dr Gerald and Fr Stany B Lobo thanked the parishioners and clergies for attending the religious celebrations at the occasion.

 
A large number of parishioners were present during Eucharistic Celebrations.