Udupi/M’Belle: Vespers on the Eve of the Annual Parish Feast Observed with Solemnity and Devotion

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 01 Jan: On the eve of the Annual Parish Feast of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, Vespers was observed with solemnity and devotion in the evening of Tuesday, 1 January 2019 from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. Fr. Wilson D’Souza, Parish Priest of St. Antony’s Church, Kuntalnagar conducted the Vespers service.

 

At 6.30 pm parishioners went in procession to the Cross Hill accompanied by the brass band. The youth carried the ‘Cherel’ of St. Lawrence. On reaching the Cross Hill, Fr. Wilson D’Souza blessed the ‘Cherel’ by sprinkling holy water and incensing. After a brief prayer service people returned to the church in procession with lighted candles.

 

The second part of the Vespers was the scripture reading and reading from the Gospel.

 

In his homily, Fr. Wilson D’Souza emphasized on the theme of “It is not enough to recite the name of Jesus, but it is important to follow His Teachings”. Those who read the Word of God, meditate on it and follow it would be abundantly blessed. Citing a number of examples from the Gospels, Fr. Wilson pointed out how those who believed in Jesus and his Word were blessed in many ways. He further said that the Word of God enlightens those who read and meditate on it and they are capable of distinguishing the right from the wrong and good from evil.  Fr. Wilson said that St. Lawrence, the Patron Saint of Moodubelle not only understood the Word of God, but also lived according to these Words and became a martyr in the name of Jesus.

 

 

The lat part of the Vespers was the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament conducted by Fr. Wilson followed by the Sacramental Blessing. 

 

Besides Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, parish priest of Moodubelle and Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest, the Vespers service was attended by Fr. Stany lobo-Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar and Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, Fr. Denis D’Sa-Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva and Dean of Shirva Deanery, Fr. Reginald Pinto-Director of Sampada, Fr. Stephen D’Souza-Director of Divya Jyothi and other priests from Udupi Deanery, neighbouring parishes and priests from Moodubelle serving in North India.

 

 

The church premises presented an aura of festivities. The façade of the church, belle tower, Shrine of St. Lawrence and the Grotto are illuminated with colourful lighting. A number of devotees were seen burning candles in front of the shrine of St. Lawrence. Stalls of various types have been set up around the church, especially in the cleared space to the left of the church.

 

The solemn annual feast mass will be offered by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese on Wednesday, 2 January 2019 at 10.30 am. Candles of honour will be distributed at 10 am.