Ivan Mascarenhas
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Feb 18: It was a historic day in Udupi diocese on Tuesday February 17, as over 300 married couples participated in the diocese-level 'wedded couples day' celebration, held at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte.
Mount Rosary Church witnessed the success of 'wedded couples day' with over 330 participating married couples from around 43 churches across the diocese. Most of the couples came traditionally dressed for this big day. Gentlemen in blazers, and their wives draped silk sarees and ornaments with jasmine flowers clipped to their hair made them look special and attractive.
The day began with holy mass, celebrated by the bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. In his sermon, the bishop gave a few tips to the couples for a successful marriage, and asked them to taken inspiration from the blessed holy family; mother Mary and St Joseph, with infant Jesus. He also explained how love plays an important role in building up good Christian families in society. "Married life is a commitment. Marriage is blessed by God and it's a holy sacrament. Praying daily and keeping faith in God will solve all our problems," he added.
After the holy celebration there was a get-together arranged at the Millennium Auditorium in the church campus. During the function the Kundapur vicar Fr Anil D'souza raised the toast to the gathered couples. "No greater risk other than marriage and no greater happiness other than marriage," was his short message to the married couples.
Many other priests including Udupi diocese PRO, Fr Denis D'Sa, chancellor, Fr Valerian Mendonca, Udupi vicar var Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Karkal vicar var, Udupi vicar general Fr Baptist Menezes, and Mount Rosary Church parish priest Fr Philip Neri Aranha were present on the occasion. Lesly Aroza compered the programme and Fr Chethan welcomed the gathering.