Udupi/M’Belle: Christmas celebrated with Carol Singing and Solemn Festal Mass

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 24 Dec: Christmas, the birthday of Jesus was celebrated with Carol Singing by the Choir and solemn festal mass concelebrated by Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, the Parish Priest of Moodubelle as the chief celebrant along with Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest, Fr. Roman Mascarenhas, Rector of Diocesan Minor Seminary and Fr. Paul, Director of Assisi Nilaya on Monday, 24 December 2018.

 

Singing of Christmas carols by the well-trained Church Choir commenced at 6.30 pm. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas conducted the choir. Sharline D’Almeida narrated the background of each and every carol hymn sung beautifully by the choir.

 

Following the singing of carols, the solemn festal mass was offered at 7pm. The priests followed the procession led by the altar servers, liturgy animators and Eucharistic Ministers.

 

As the Gloria was sung, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas unveiled the Infant Jesus statue signifying the birth of Jesus.

 

In his homily, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas explained the meaning of Christmas and stressed on the importance of the Word of God.

 

 

Following the end of the festal mass, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas conveyed the Greetings of Christmas to all parishioners in native place and abroad. 

 

Prior to offering of respect to Infant Jesus, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas incensed and blessed the statues of Infant Jesus with holy water. Thereafter, the faithful venerated Infant Jesus.

 

Soon after the mass, as people came out of the church, ICYM members distributed slices of cake. Thereafter,  people gathered in front of the church for the auctioning of  a large cake baked in the form of a Christmas Tree. 

 

Lloyd Rebello conducted the auctioning of the cake in the presence of Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Fr. Lawrence Cutinha and Fr. Roman Mascarenhas.

 

Winners of various competitions such as  preparation of Crib, assembling of star, etc. were given prizes at the end of the programme.

 

One of the chief attractions of the Christmas celebration is the Crib prepared by the ICYM memebrs under the supervision of Valerian Noronha, the Animator of ICYM and overall direction of Fr. Lawrence Cutinha.