Mangaluru: An Ecumenical Kannada Prayer Service was jointly organised at Rosario Cathedral, Bolar, bringing together members of different Christian denominations in a spirit of unity, prayer, and shared faith. The service was organised by Rosario Cathedral in collaboration with CSI Kanthi Church and CSI St. Paul’s Church, reaffirming the commitment of the churches to ecumenical harmony in the coastal region.
Joint initiative fostering Christian unity
The ecumenical service reflected a shared vision of strengthening bonds among Christian communities through prayer and dialogue. Conducted in Kannada, the service ensured inclusive participation and resonated deeply with the local faithful, highlighting the importance of worship in the language of the people.
Fr. Valerian D’Souza, Parish Priest of Rosario Cathedral, warmly welcomed the gathering and set the tone for the prayerful evening. He was joined by Pastor Gabriel Ronith of CSI Kanthi Church, Jeppu, Rev. Binu C. John of CSI St. Paul’s Church, Mangaluru, and Fr. Valerian Fernandes of Rosario Cathedral. Together, they led the congregation in prayers, readings, and reflections that emphasised unity, peace, and mutual respect across denominations.
Symbolic beginning with lamp lighting
The service began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a gesture symbolising harmony, hope, and togetherness among the Christian faithful. The lighting of the lamp marked the collective commitment of the churches to walk together in faith, transcending denominational boundaries while remaining rooted in shared Christian values.
Throughout the service, prayers focused on peace, social harmony, and the role of faith communities in fostering understanding and compassion in society. The ecumenical nature of the gathering served as a reminder that shared prayer can be a powerful means of building bridges and nurturing fellowship.
Participation of parish leaders and members
The prayer service witnessed active participation from parish representatives and council members of the collaborating churches. Among those present were Cyril Rosario, Vice President of the Rosario Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council; Ida Furtado, Secretary; Aldrin Vaz, 21 Commissions Coordinator; and Mary A. D’Souza, Convenor of the Commission for Ecumenism. Members of the Parish Pastoral Councils from Rosario Cathedral, CSI Kanthi Church, and CSI St. Paul’s Church also attended in significant numbers.
Their presence highlighted the collective support for ecumenical initiatives and the importance placed on unity at both leadership and grassroots levels within the church communities.
Reinforcing the spirit of ecumenism
The Ecumenical Kannada Prayer Service stood as a meaningful expression of Christian unity in Mangaluru. By coming together in prayer, the participating churches reaffirmed their shared mission of service, dialogue, and witness in society. The event underscored that while traditions may differ, the core values of faith, love, and service remain common.
The organisers expressed hope that such joint initiatives would continue in the future, strengthening relationships among churches and inspiring the faithful to work together for peace and social harmony. The service concluded on a reflective note, leaving participants with a renewed sense of unity and shared purpose.
