Udupi: Large Number of Pangla Parishioners accord a warm welcome to Jericho Cross

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 01 Aug 2018: The Jericho Holy Cross arrived from Kota (Kundapura) on Tuesday the 31st July 2018 at Pangla (Shankerpura) parish at around 4:15pm and a large number of Pangla Parishioners accorded a warm welcome to Rev. Fr. Alphonse D’Lima, Parish Priest Kota (who carried it from Kota) accompanied by Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa (Parish Priest, Shirva). The purpose of this Jericho Holy Cross Journey is to pray for good governance, National Integrity, peace and prosperity.

 

On arrival, Fr. Alphonse D’Lima handed over the Holy Cross to Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Parish Priest of Pangla who handed over in turn to Rev. Fr. Vincent Coelho and a brief welcoming ceremony and prayers were held.

 

The St. John’s School band played beautiful hymns “God’s love is so wonderful” followed by “O Give Thanks to the Lord.” After the welcoming ceremony, the Holy Cross was taken inside the Church and half an hour prayer service was held by Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves along with Fr. Vincent Coello and Fr. Romeo Lewis and thereafter Holy Eucharistic Mass was held.

 

 

The Jericho Cross had earlier arrived in Udupi Diocese in Kalmady Stella Maris Parish on May 29th. After three days prayers service in Pangla Church the Jericho Cross will be taken to Pamboor Church. The cross will leave around 3:30 pm on Friday (3 rd August) and arrive at 4:00pm at Holy Cross Pamboor. The Cross will travel after all remaining parishes of Shirva Deanery up to August 23. (Karkal Deanery from 4-09-18 to 9-10-18, Kallianpur 9-10-18 to 13-11-18). The Journey of Jericho Cross will conclude on 18 November 2018 at Potta Retreat Centre.

 

The prayer for Jericho Cross is derived from the Biblical Incident that took during Old Testament. It signifies how a peaceful march and prayer could be used to conquer the Nation with God’s divine help. Here is the brief story of that Jericho March.

 

Jericho March -Joshua 6

In the book of Joshua chapter 6, we are told of the first "Jericho March." According to the Bible, the Israelites were led by Joshua into the land God promised them. They crossed the Jordan River and were instructed to conquer the land called Canaan. Jericho was the first city to be taken for the Lord. It was a city of false gods. Joshua was instructed to silently march around the walled city once a day for six days straight.

 

Then on the seventh day the Israelites marched around the city seven times with seven priests, placed ahead of the Ark of the Covenant, carrying seven shofars or ram’s horns. As they marched, the priests were to blow the shofars. On the seventh trip around, they were to give one long blast in unison. Upon hearing that long blast, the people were to give a great shout. When they did this, the fortress walls of Jericho fell flat to the ground allowing the Israelites entry to take the city. It must have seemed strange to the Israelites to enter battle by way of a peaceful march.

 

The residents inside Jericho were also surely puzzled by the six days of quiet marches around their city. But on that seventh day, they certainly believed their gods would protect them. However, once again the one true God proved He is mightier than all other false gods.

 

This Jericho March was the instruction given by God; it was His plan and they succeeded. We may not always see God’s logic, but He is faithful when we are obedient to His Word. If a Church is petitioning the Lord for a revival or a new pastor, be sure, the Lord will provide. The Lord may call you to Jericho March in behalf of taking back your city from sinful corruption or for divine guidance for your leaders. Have faith that the Lord hears every prayer because He may again call on us to bring down some walls to restore His Kingdom.