Udupi/M’Belle: Vespers on the Eve of Annual Parish Feast Observed in St. Lawrence Church

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 05 Jan 2021: The solemn Vespers on the eve of the Annual Parish Feast of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle was observed on Tuesday, 5 January 2021 from 6.30pm.

 

At the outset, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church blessed the ‘Cherel’ of St. Lawrence in front of the Shrine of St. Lawrence. The traditional blessing of the ‘Cherel’ on the top of the Cross Hill and procession had to be done away with due to the restrictions imposed by the government authorities due to Covid 19 pandemic.

 

The Vespers service in the church was conducted by Fr. Charles Furtado(OFM Cap), Rector of Assisi Nilaya.

 

The theme of this year’s Vespers was “Word of God Gives Life”.

 

After the readings from the Holy scriptures, Fr. Charles Furtado in his homily highlighted the importance of the Word of God in the life of individuals. He said that the Word of God establishes relationship between God and human beings. Word of God provides meaning, aim and direction to the lives of human  beings. Fr. Charles further said that the Word of God provides love, affection, comfort, strength and hope to all. Thus, it is important to read, listen and meditate on the Word of God found in the Holy Bible.

 

 

Soon after the homily, Fr. Charles Furtado conducted the Adoration of the Holy Sacrament.

 

Fr. Jithesh Castelino-Assistant Parish Priest, Dr. Lawrence D’Souza-Resident Priest, Fr. Baptist Menezes-Rector of Diocesan Minor Seminary, Fr. Charles Menezes-Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi and Fr. Baptist Mendonca were present for the Vespers service.

 

There was good response from the parishioners who attended the Vespers service in large numbers. They visited the Shrine of St. Lawrence and offered candles to the patron saint for the favours received due to his intercession.

 

Unlike the previous years the chief attraction of the Annual Parish Feast, that is, the varieties of stalls are missing from the premises of the church. Though the aura of the festivities is missing there is no lack of enthusiasm of the parishioners towards their much loved Annual Parish Feast.

 

The solemn feast mass on Wednesday, 6 January 2021 will be streamed live by Comblis Channel on YouTube from  9.30 am.