Pics: Richard Dsouza, Kallianpur
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Oct 23: Family Life Center (JIVIT) Family Life Commission of the Udupi Diocese organized Kallianpur Deanery level Marriage Couple’s Day at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur near here on Thursday October 22 with fervor and unity.
The memorable day began with the couples walking hand in hand in procession from Milagres Tri-Centenary Hall to Milagres Cathedral to the accompaniment of the melodious brass band Sunshine Parampalli all the way to the alter of the Diocese Cathedral. The solemn High Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo along with Fr Stany B Lobo Rector of Cathedral, Fr Henry Mascarenhas, estate manager of Udupi diocese, Fr Fredrick D’Souza of Thottam Church, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves of Kemmannu Church and Fr Denis Lobo director of Pillar Fathers.
In his homily the bishop said that it was pleasing to see married couples once again gathered in front of the altar of the Lord in thanksgiving. He pointed out three important tips to the married couples. The creation of the world is the plan of God. We should be thankful to the Lord that he created the world and the family. The unity of the family is the planning of God. The married couple is compared with Jesus and the Church. Man and woman complete the sacrament of matrimony. The secret of family life is unity, obedience and respect between the couple.
He said that the sacrament of matrimony of the married couple’s life starts with love. For a married couple’s love to be permanent, love between them has to continue in the same way as it was shown on the first day.
The Bishop renewed the wedding vows before the altar of God for more than 140 couples of Kallianpur Deanery. The Bishop sprinkled holy water on all the married couples who held hands. Leslie Aroza director of diocesan family life commission made a few announcements after the mass.
After mass, the couples were led in a procession by the brass band to Milagres Tri Centenary Hall for a reception organized for them. Bishop, Fr Stany Lobo, Fr Denis D’Sa were present along with one of the oldest couples and one of the youngest couples on the dais.
Two couples whose birthday and wedding anniversary were on the same day cut the cake with enthusiasm and shared it among themselves. Fr Stany B Lobo raised a meaningful toast to the applause of couples. Fr Denis D’Sa another of the chief guests present delivered his message. The bishop once again gave a brief address to the gathered.
Various spot games were conducted by master of ceremony Roshan Sequeira of Kuntalnagar and prizes were distributed to the winners by Fr Stany B Lobo. The program was compered by Roshan. Leslie Aroza proposed the vote of thanks and appreciated everybody. Lunch was arranged for all the participants. Around 150 couples of Kallianpur deanery enjoyed and partook in the programme.