Udupi, 08 Jan 2014: The first annual parish feast in the newly inaugurated Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, Kallianpur was celebrated on Thursday, 8 January 2015 at 10.30 am. Prior to the celebration of the solemn feast mass, the ‘firgent’ of the feast by the family members of the chief sponsor, Jerry Vincent Dias was ushered in ceremonially from the main gate accompanied by the brass band. Thereafter, Rev. Fr. Philip Neri Aranha, the parish priest distributed ‘candles of honour’ to the donors for the building of the new church who had contributed more than one lakh of rupees.
Most Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio, Archbishop of Bhopal who happens to be a parishioner of Mount Rosary Church concelebrated the solemn feast mass as the chief celebrant along with Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mathias, Bishop of Lucknow and Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Lewis, Bishop of Jaipur and other priests including Rev. Fr. Stany Lobo, Dean of Kallianpur Varado and Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi Diocese and Rev. Fr. Philip Neri Aranha, parish priest of Mount Rosary Church.
The homily was meaningfully preached by Rev. Fr. Leo Lasrado, professor in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. Fr. Leo Lasrado traced the life of Blessed Virgin Mary right from her birth and pointed out how she became the Mother of Jesus Christ and her journey along with him in the path of salvation of humankind. Further, Fr. Leo said that Mother Mary by following her son has been an example and guide to the faithful in following Jesus.
At the end of the Mass, Rev. Fr. Philip Neri Aranha expressed gratitude to all those who had supported the cause of building the new church, especially the chief donor, Jerry Vincent Dias and his family. He also thanked the various committee conveners and members associated with the building and inauguration of the newly constructed church.
Rev. Fr. Stany Lobo, Dean of Kallianpur Varado congratulated Rev. Fr. Philip Neri Aranha and all the parishioners for the construction and inauguration of such a beautiful church and on behalf of the Varado conveyed the best wishes for the annual feast.
Most Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio expressed happiness being the part of the festivities since 6 January 2015 and said that he has been proud to be one of the parishioners of Mount Rosary Church since his childhood.
The main altar of the church was decorated beautifully for the annual feast. The church was full to capacity as the church can accommodate 1,200 people in 6 rows of pews. Many faithful were seen occupying the side-wings. The choir, ably trained by Rev. Fr. Mahesh D’Souza of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur rendered the hymns with melodious voice thus enhancing the solemnity of the annual feast.