Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady

Udupi, Feb 12: The annual feast of Stella Maris parish, Kalmady, was celebrated with devotion and religious fervour on Saturday February 9 and Sunday February 10.

Fr Joseph Martis, rector, Jeppu seminar, was the main celebrant of the festal Holy Mass along with Kalmady parish priest Fr Alban D'Souza and other priests from the deanery who were the co-celebrants.

Fr Martis, in his homily, said that Mother Mary completely surrendered herself to God’s Word and led her life as per God’s wish. “In our daily life we just doubt everything rather than trusting him. Mother Mary trusted God completely even when she was in trouble. We have to learn how to overcome our about this and keep faith in God.”

He further added that mass, prayers, and Novenas are a part of our faith. “But actually, the other part will start once we come out of the church. Prayer is the strength of life. But we have to reach the needy and only then there is value for our mass prayers and all.”

Fr Denis Castelino presented the blessed candles to donors who contributed to organizing the annual feast. Fr Alban, parish priest of the church, thanked the parish council vice- president Lewis Lobo, secretary Pricilla Alva, and other office-bearers for their support in the parish activities throughout the year.

On Saturday February 9, vespers were celebrated and Fr Aquin Noronha, Dominic priest, was the main celebrant of the holy Eucharist prayers.

A large number of parishioners and devotees from neighboring parishes attended the festal Holy Mass and shared their joy on the occasion. Cultural programmers were organized on the church grounds in the evening.

To mark 25 years of celebration of the Stella Maris Church in August this year, the Mother Mary statue will be taken to each individual house to thank her for all the blessings. On August 15, 2013, the foundation stone laying ceremony will be held for the new church building with a budget of Rs 5 crore.