Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jan 5: Thousands of faithful on Sunday January 5 participated in the annual Eucharist procession of Mangaluru diocese, held from Milagres Church to Rosario Cathedral.
Prior to the procession, Mass was offered by bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha at Milagres Church. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop emiratus, was the co-celebrant.
The procession led by the bishop culminated at Rosario Cathedral where adoration was held.
In his homily, the bishop said, "We are celebrating the year 2020 as the Year of Life in our diocese. Jesus Christ taught us to love one another. Every human life is a plan of God and has its own importance. It is our duty to respect human lives. Nowadays the killings of humans, especially infants due to gender discrimination, is becoming common. We are becoming merciless with our fellow humans. We have to transform ourselves. Everyone has the right to live in this world according God's plan."
Stressing on the need to protect nature he said, "Without nature we cannot live. Everything that keeps us alive comes from nature. It is our responsibility to protect our nature and environment. Deforestation will bring major negative tranformation in our life. Plants also have life and it has been proven in science too. We must take care of plants as our own child because it gives us life. Jesus Christ gave us salvation from a wooden cross prepared from a tree. So trees are very important in our Catholic life and we have to protect them.
"Internationally, this year is dedicated to nurses and doctors. Nurses play an important role in saving the lives of humans, especially infants. They are the face of God in this earth. They deserve all respect and prayers. We have to remember them in our prayers," he added.
After the adoration, the bishop unveiled the logo of Year of Life 2020 of the diocese. At the same time, he marked the conclusion of the Year of Youth 2019. Leon Lyod Saldanha, president, ICYM central committee briefed on the activities conducted in Year of Youth 2019.
Fr J B Crasta, parish priest, Rosario Cathedral, priests from various parishes and religious congregations, and religious sisters and brothers attended the procession in large numbers.