Udupi/M’Belle: Confraternity Sunday observed with grand Eucharistic Procession

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 31 Dec 2017: The Confraternity Sunday in preparation for the Annual Parish Feast of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle was observed on Sunday, 31 December 2017, the last day of the year and also the Feast of Holy Family, with Solemn Mass, grand Eucharistic procession through the township, homily and Sacramental Blessing. 

 

The solemn Confraternity Mass was offered by Fr. Prakash Lobo (OFM Cap) of Assisi Nilaya as the chief celebrant along with Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest, Fr. Lawrence Cutinha-Assistant Parish Priest and other priests who are natives of Moodubelle Parish.

 

Soon after the Mass, the grand Eucharistic Procession commenced  from the church at 5pm. The brass band led the procession followed by the parishioners.  The procession passed through the road in front of  the cemetery taking right turn at the Syndicate Bank and again right turn near the bus stand following the main road and entered the church compound through the main gate. As the procession was in progress the choir sang hymns related to the Holy sacrament, the church bell tolled continuously till the end of the procession. 

 

The Blessed Sacrament  was held by Fr. Prakash Lobo on the decorated van that followed at the end of the procession line. Members of Stree sanghttan and Parish Council held colourful canopies that enahanced the grandeur of the Eucharistic Procession. The roads were cleaned up and  were made dust free by sprinkling water  by the shop keepers and rickshaw owners and drivers.   Both sides of the procession route were decorated with buntings.

 

Soon after the end of the Eucharistic Procession, Fr. Prakash Lobo read a passage from the Gospel of St. John and delivered his key homily on the theme of “How to Build Parish Family on the Word of God”. With examples from the Bible and normal life, Fr. Prakash Lobo said that the Parish Family should be built on Happiness, Unity, Faith, Hope and Love. 

 

Soon after the homily, the Sacramental Blessing was conferred on the parishioners. 

 

A large number of parishioners participated in the Confraternity Sunday celebration.