Christmas 2023, a grand celebration in Mount Rosary Church, Kallianpur

By Prof. Archibald Furtado
Pics: Praveen Cutinho
Bellevision Media Network

Udupu, 25 Dec 2023: As aware, the world celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem about 2023 years ago is a festival of joy, happiness and cheer wherein the children, youth, adult and aged involve in different ways to commemorate the Birthday of Saviour of the World Jesus.

 

The whole Mount Rosary Church Campus had a grand look with vibrant decorations, stars, twinkling lightings; crib etc was attracting devotees and common men towards it.

 

The Festal grand Mass was celebrated at 7.00 pm sharp. Rev. Dr Ivan DSouza the Professor in Jeppu, St Joseph’s Inter diocesan Seminary was the main celebrant, along with Vicar Rev Dr Roque DSouza and Asst. Parish Priest Rev Fr Oliver Nazareth.

 

Around 6.30 choir led the melodious Carols singing as the faithful assembled in large number to participate in the liturgy.

 

In his well knitted homily Rev Dr DSouza narrated the significance of the day. He explained so well who were privileged to touch Jesus - ‘the humble and simple human beings the poor shepherds that too in a stable and later on to those neglected and lonely. That is relevant even today; people with a kind heart, concern towards other human and living beings can experience it….. He lives and make home and walk with them…’ Jesus – ‘the Immanuel born not to snatch, rob or take away from people’s plates, but to give and bless them in  abundance….’

 

 

The Church was overflowing with faithful and the service was arranged perfectly well to be participative and attractive with Choir, Clergy and concerned Commissions preparing well for the occasion.

 

Soon after the Holy Eucharist, ICYM and YCS volunteers distributed cake after the Holy Mass. Parishioners were seen exchanging festal greetings etc….There were ward wise Making Star competitions and the insightful and Crib was attracting all to have a glimpse of it posing for snaps.

 

There was a dance performance by the youth to add festivities. Special Christmas Cake Auction was conducted. Prizes were distributed to winners and participants of literary competitions held during Monthi Feast in September, 2023, by Rozaricho Gaanch the parish bulletin. Vicar had some games exclusively for small kids and gave away attractive prizes. All involving American Housie was conducted by ICYM stalwarts. Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council Mr Luke DSouza was the highest bidder for prized Christmas cake was handed over to him. Animator of ICYM Mr Santhosh Cornelio was also present.

 

Ultimately it was the grand entry of Santa clause towing a different line arriving on a Wheel Loader / a giant Shovel to the venue as the youth and children had a party time with gifts, chocolates and an opportunity to dance with Santa….conveying a message of sharing and caring, with a spirit of togetherness and compassion for poor and needy…

 

In Kallianpur, where diversity is celebrated, Christmas is embraced with open arms and its significance is felt in the hearts of all people around us living with perfect harmony.