Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network –Karkala
Karkala, Jan 22: The first annual feast of St Lawrence Minor Basilica began with devotional Confraternity Sunday Celebrations on Sunday January 22.
Fr Paul Melvyn D’souza, OFM, Cap presided over the holy Eucharistic mass, while Fr George D’souza, rector, Fr Vijay D’souza, assistant parish priest, Fr Roshan Menezes, Episcopal vicar for religious, diocese of Udupi, Fr Derrick, editor, Sevak Monthly, and other priests were present during the celebrations.
In his homily at Doopadakatte bus stop, Fr Paul Melvyn D’souza said, “In our daily life, we have various types of hunger; hunger for physical, social and spiritual needs. These are satisfied in various ways. We give so much of important to balanced diet today so that we could live longer knowing that life is short.”
“The earthly life will end one day but the eternal life has no end. All religions believe in God. Christ came to this earth preaching a preparation for eternal life. He came to seek the sinners who required a doctor.”
“In today’s gospel, Jesus says ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’. Hence whoever accepts Jesus wholeheartedly; his soul will live in him forever.”
“Nothing is impossible for God. He is truly present in this holy sacrament and he has proved it in many ways. Jesus healed the sick and ailing and gave them a new bread of life. Today God gives us spiritual bread and satisfies our spiritual hunger. Even St Lawrence worshipped Jesus Christ and became a model for many to witness his faith in God,” he added.
After the EEucharistic mass, holy sacrament was taken into procession from Basilica to Silver Jubilee Memorial Stage of Yuvaka Mandala at Doopadakatte.
Fr George D’souza, rector of St Lawrence Basilica, thanked all the parishners for their whole hearted service and also requested them to extend their helping hand throughout the festivities.
Scheduled programmes:
A special Eucharistic celebration and prayers for children has been scheduled at 3 pm and 5 pm today.
On Monday January 23, there will be special Eucharistic celebrations and prayers for the sick at 10 am and at 3.30 pm. As many as 31 masses in Konkani and 12 masses in Kannada will be offered during the festive celebrations.
Dr Henry D'Souza, bishop, diocese of Ballari will offer the Eucharistic mass in Kannada at 6 pm on January 23.
On Tuesday January 24, Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bengaluru, will offer the Eucharistic mass in Kannada at 6 pm.
On Wednesday January 25, Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop, diocese of Beltangady will offer the Eucharistic Mass in Kannada at 8 am and Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru will offer the festive Eucharistic mass in Konkani at 10.30 am.
On Thursday January 26, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, Diocese of Udupi will offer the festive Eucharistic mass in Konkani at 10 am.
Daijiworld will bring live web coverage of five Eucharistic masses for its worldwide readers and viewers.