Pics: Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 26: The annual Eucharistic procession of the diocese of Udupi was celebrated with much fervour on Sunday, November 26 at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur here.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop Udupi diocese presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Priests from across the diocese were the concelebrants.
In his homily, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, "Today the Catholic church celebrates the feast of Christ the King. Jesus as a king did not have a throne, nor soldiers or any riches. He was a king because he was born in a cow shed and was crucified, he lived his life for the poor and needy by giving his love, peace and sacrifice.
"When Jesus was bought in front of Pontius Pilate he asked 'Are you a King?’ and Jesus replied, 'My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my servants would fight to prevent me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities. But now my kingdom is not from here'. Truly, Jesus was born in a cow shed and lived a simple life as a carpenter. He lived life as a servant and served the people and finally he shed his blood for us. By this he become the king and our saviour," the bishop said.
"Jesus' kingship was not the worldly riches but it was the crucifix in which he died for us. His kingship was not for a certain time but was everlasting. Swords were not his tools, instead his tools were truth and justice. He didn’t come to rule us but he came to give us new lease of life. He is the king of the world and lives in our heart. We are blessed to have Christ as our king. Love, truth, happiness, justice, peace and forgiveness are the attributes of his kingdom, Let us live according to the attributes of Christ our King," he said.
After the Eucharistic celebration a spirited procession of holy sacrament was held from Milagres Cathedral to Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte - Kallianpur. A captivating tableau was the highlight of the procession in which along with bishop and priests many devotees took part.
Fr Roque D’Souza, parish priest of Udyavar conducted the adoration. In his homiliy, he said, "Pope Francis is the best example to live a holistic life. He through his deeds calls us to lead a good life. Lives of saints also help us to lead a good life.
Dr Gerlad Issac Lobo addressing the faithfull said, "We the people of Udupi along with the priests of the diocese thank the Almighty Lord for all His blessings upon us. Today’s event was organized with much devotion." He also thanked the parishioners of Milagres Cathedral and Mount Rosary Church for successfully organizing the procession.
Fr Stany B Lobo, rector of Milagres Cathedral, Fr Valerian Mendonca, chancellor, Fr Leslie, parish priest of Mount Rosary, Fr Lawrence D'Souza, CESU secretary and priests of Udupi diocese were present during the event. Donors and sponsors of the event were felicitated.
Fr Henry, Veronica Cornelio and Leslie Aroza compered the event.
The choir team from Milagres and Kallianpur deanery added colour to the entire event. As many as 4,000 faithful took part in the event.
The top five recipients of highest collection on Mission Sunday:
On the basis of total collection:
1. St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle
2. Mother of Sorrowas Church, Udupi
3. St Lawrence Basilica, Attur
4. Lourdes Church, Kanajar
5. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Nakre.
On the basis of collection per head:
1. Kuntalnagar
2. Nakre
3. Udupi
4. Kanajar
5. Moodubelle.