Moodubelle: Vespers ushers in the spirit of Annual Parish Feast

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 02 January 2013:  January 1, 2013 brought in double joy for the parishioners of Moodubelle as the New Year and Vespers on the eve of the Annual Parish Feast, celebrated on the same day ushering the spirit of festivities. 

 

The programme of the Vespers began at 6.30 pm as the people climbed up the Cross Hill, the ICYM members carrying the ‘Cherel’ of St. Lawrence. As the people gathered in front of the Cross, they were handed over candles sponsored by Mrs. Violet Gaga, originally form Moodubelle, now residing in Udupi. The candles were distributed by the Stree Sanghattan led by Mrs. Helen D’Souza.

 

As the ‘cherel’ reached the stage in front of the Cross, Fr. Roshan D’Souza belonging to the Holy Cross Religious Order who was the chief celebrant of the evening recited  blessed the incensed the ‘cherel’ and recited prayers in honour of St. Lawrence, the patron saint of Moodubelle.

 

Following the brief service at the top of the Cross Hill, people with lighted candles followed the band in a procession through the main road entering the main  entrance of the church and onwards to the church followed by the guest priests and the ‘Cherel’ which was kept near the Shrine of St. Lawrence.

 

After readings from the Holy Scriptures and Gospel, Fr. Roshan D’Souza delivered his homily with the theme of “Let us live faith and give witness to Christ”. Fr. Roshan  elaborated the theme by giving various examples. He explained six stages in the development and progress of faith right from infancy to adulthood and old age.

 

 

The homily was followed by the adoration and Sacramental Blessing.

 

Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenha, Dean of Udupi Deanery, Rev. Fr. Stany tauro, Dean of Shirva Deanery, Rev. fr. Valerian D’Souza, former parish priest of Moodubelle and priests from Udupi Deaners as well as neighbouring parishes and those priests hailing from Belle and serving in North India were present for the Vespers.

 

The services associated with the Vespers ended by 8 pm. As the  people came out of the church they were greeted with fire-works sponsored by Anil and Reena D’Souza of St. John the Baptist II Ward.

 

People were seen visiting the Shrine of St. Lawrence and offering candles.  Groups of families were seen exchanging greetings for new year and feast with friends and relatives. Many were seen making a detour of  verities  of stalls.