Report: Dr Eugene D’Souza, Moodubelle
Pics: Steevan Colaco
Udupi, Apr 12: The first-ever diocesan-level outdoor Way of the Cross at St Antony’s Church on Friday, April 11 evoked good response and enriched the participants spiritually.
The Way of the Cross was held in the presence of the Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi, Dr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, Fr Fred Mascarenhas, dean of Udupi Varado, Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest and PRO of the Udupi diocese, Fr Joswey Fernandes parish priest of Moodubelle, Fr Jerome Monteiro former parish priest of Kuntalnagar, Fr Chetan Capuchin, editor of Diocesan Journal ‘Uzwaad’ and other priests and religious from the neighbouring parishes.
The Way of the Cross was conducted by Fr Leo Lasrado, professor at St Joseph's Seminary, Mangalore.
Bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Issac Lobo presided over the Holy Eucharistic Mass.
The homily was delivered by Fr Leo Lasrado that was relevant to the occasion of the Way of the Cross. Fr Lasrado said that humankind undergoes many kinds of sufferings due to various reasons. Many sufferings are due to the sins of individuals themselves and many also suffer due to the sins of the others. In many places and instances Christians have additional sufferings being the followers of Christ. The martyrdom of many saints since the inception of the Church and the persecution of Christians even in modern times are the testimony of the sufferings of the Christians.
Continuing further, Fr Lasrado said that the sufferings are the Cross that one has to bear as Jesus Himself had said those who would like to follow him should pick up their Crosses and follow Him. Life is not perfect as there are sufferings due to sickness, accidents and even death. Through His own sufferings and death on the Cross, Christ has given a new meaning to sufferings and salvation. Fr Lasrado also highlighted the importance of prayer and said that God grants us what we deserve rather than what we pray for. Through a number of examples and anecdotes, Fr Lasrado delivered his homily in a meaningful and comprehensive manner.
Fr Denis D’Sa in his valedictory address said that since the outdoor Stations of the Way of the Cross were installed by the former parish priest, Fr Jerome Monteiro, Udupi Varado level outdoor Way of the Cross was held for two years. This year, with the suggestion of the Bishop, for the first time the diocesan-level outdoor Way of the Cross was conducted at Kuntalnagar. He also mentioned that Fr Jerome Monteiro has come all the way from Miyar along with some of his parishioners. Fr Denis D’Sa thanked Fr Leo Lasrado for delivering meaningful homily and also conducting the Way of the Cross with devotion and ample spiritual content. He appreciated the efforts put in by Fr Edwin D’Souza and Kuntalnagar parishioners in organizing the Way of the Cross.