Daijiworld Media Network.

Managaluru, Aug 14: The annual feast of St Dominic Church, Ashoknagar, Mangaluru was held on Sunday, Aug 11 with the Eucharistic celebration at 10am.

The nine-days novena which began on the Aug 2, culminated with a festive mass presided over by Rt Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus, Diocese of Mangaluru.

Many priests from across the Episcopal City Varado as well as from St Dominic community at Ashoknagar and Bellur concelebrated in the solemn Eucharistic celebration. Large number of devotees took part in the celebration with great devotion.

In his homily, the bishop said, Saint Dominic was a great holy man who contributed a lot to the Dominican Order and to the universal Church at large through his powerful teaching, preaching and study. He highlighted on the holiness in the family of St. Dominic. His mother Jane of Aza and brother Manez were declared blessed by the Holy Church and his brother Antony was also a Priest as well.

The melodious devotional hymns sung by the parish choir mesmerised the whole gathering.

The relic of St Dominic was on display at the church premises where the devotees lit candles and offered their intentions in the intention box to be prayed for. The assistant parish priest Fr Royston Lobo, vice president of the pastoral council, Richard Gonsalves, Secretary Isac Furtado, parish council members and all those who were involved in the celebration made the arrangements for the festive Mass and other proceedings.

Prior to the eucharistic celebration, the blessed candles ‘Muddom’’ were distributed to the parishioners and to the sponsors ‘Pirjent’ after the Sunday announcements. Children of the parish who secured 75% and above in 10 th , PU and degree were also felicitated by the Bishop during the celebration.

Fr Aquin Noronha, parish priest of St Dominic Church, thanked each and everyone for their selfless service, support and cooperation in making the feast a joyful one for all.

Soon after the eucharistic celebration the ICYM of Ashoknagar unit organised some fun filled games for the Parishioners.

In the evening the ICYM organised outdoor as well as indoor games and variety entertainment program for the parishioners from 4 pm to 8 pm. All enjoyed. It was really a memorable day.

May St Dominic our patron saint bless and intercede for all of us.