Mangalore: 22 Couples Unite in Matrimony at Rosario Cathedral
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (RD)
Mangalore, May 6: St Vincent De Paul Society of Rosario Cathedral organized its 38th mass wedding ceremony here on Sunday May 6.
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass held on Sunday morning. He offered the Mass along with Rosario parish priest Fr Stany Goveas and other diocesan clergies and conducted the nuptials of 22 couples on the occasion.
Bishop Dr Aloysius in his homily urged the newly-wedded couples to be an example to others by loving and caring for each other. "Marriage depends on mutual understanding, caring and sharing for its success," he added.
St Vincent De Paul Society is a social welfare organization. Its activities include organizing mass community weddings of couples who are economically poor and helping the the downtrodden live a better life.
Karnataka superintendent of excise, Dakshina Kannada, George Pinto and Rosaline Pinto were the chief guests of the stage programme, held at Rosario parish grounds after the nuptials.
Addressing the gathering, George Pinto said that understand between the spouses is essential to lead a happy married life. Though misunderstanding may arise, they must forgive each other and carry on with mutual love and faith. He stressed on the importance of treating the spouse with respect and on equal terms.
NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald Colaco spoke on the necessity of giving and sharing, and said that God those blesses those who donate a share of their earnings for the poor. He also advised the couples to love and understand each other and share their joys and sorrows. There should be open communicatio between the couples, and any misunderstanding should be sorted out amicably, he said. Colaco also lauded the Church committee and the Society for organizing the ceremony, adding that the couples were lucky to be united in the historical Rosario Cathedral.
St Vincent De Paul central council vice-president Herald Monteiro, Bishop Dr Aloysius, Fr Stany Goveas, St Vincent De Paul president Joachim Monteiro, secretary Philomena Lobo were present on the dais.
Each couple was presented Rs 3,000 cash and fixed deposit of Rs 4,000.
Ullas Sebastian Fernandes and Montina Fernandes Mirjan Kumta lighted the lamp on behalf of the 22 newly-wedded couples. Geeta Lobo Poonaccha and Anil D’Souza Puttur expressed gratitude on behalf of the couples. St Vincent De Paul Rosario parish vice-president Simon officiated the traditional farewell ceremony on behalf of the parents of the couples.
Fr Stany welcomed the gathering. Irene Martis conducted the liturgical service and John Lobo compered the programme. Gerald D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.