Pics: Justin Dsilva
Daijiworld Media Network –Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 25: Christmas eve was celebrated with much holiness and joy in Milagres Cathedral Kallianpur. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese was the chief celebrant for the Holy Eucharistic celebrations.
Fr Lawrence D’souza, rector, Milagres Cathedral, Fr Canute Noronha, assistant parish priest, Fr John Bennet and a large number of faithful took part in the celebrations.
In his homily, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese said, “Mary and Joseph stay in a hut when they reached Bethlehem and all the lodges therein were filled up. Mary gives birth to Jesus in the hut. To the world birth of Jesus is a small incident, but it is a very important incident in God’s planning. Almighty’s kindness is depicted through infant Jesus.”
“With the birth of Jesus Christ god enters the history of the world. God means love. This love is in giving not in receiving. God loved us so much that he gave his only son to us. Jesus is peace. Prophet Isaiah assures that during the time of Jesus Christ people will live peacefully. God loves us even today. We need to love each other. No one has seen god, but when we love each other’s ‘Emmanuel’ will stay with us. May this Christmas help us become the instruments of peace in this world,” he added.
Cake cutting was done by priests to enhance the joy of festive season.
In his Christmas wishes to the faithful Dr Gerald Issac Lobo said, “Jesus was born in between us. This gives a perfect meaning for Christmas. Let Infant Jesus shower his blessings upon your families.”
Cake auction was held by ICYM members. Santa Clause entertained the gathering. Beautifully decorated church with stars and lightings gave a boost to festive mood.
Crib created by ICYM members was the centre of attraction.