Mangaluru: The Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary was celebrated with devotion at the St. Rita’s Church Cascia at 5.30 p.m. on 7th October. The Most Rev Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza the Bishop emeritus of Mangalore Diocese presided over the Holy Mass which began at 5.30 p.m. In his message to the devotees at the start of the Holy Mass, the Bishop said that Mother Mary fully participated in the Redemptive work of Jesus. His death on the cross Jesus has given to us His Mother Mary as our Mother. She intercedes for us and protects us whenever we approach her in our need. She appears in various parts of the world and reminds the believers to ‘repent and believe’ the message given by Jesus.
Rev Dr. Leo Lasrado, professor at St Joseph Inter-Diocesan Seminary Jeppu preached a homily on the devotion of Rosary. He said the family which comes together to pray Rosary stays together. The prayer of Rosary not only keeps the families together but also nurtures good values among family members. It helps the faithful to meditate on the mysteries of faith and helps them to come closer to Jesus.
After the Holy Mass, there was a candlelight procession from St Rita Church Cascia to St Anthony’s Ashram Jeppu. The devotees sang hymns and recited the Rosary. The floats depicting the apparitions of Mother Mary added color to the procession.
The celebration was jointly organized by St Anthony’s Ashram Jeppu, St Rita Church Cascia, St Vincent Ferrer Church Valencia, Our Lady of Miracles Church Milagres. The choir groups from St Rita Church Cascia, St Joseph Church Jeppu, St Vincent Ferrer Church Valencia, United Family Choir under the leadership of Mr. Simon Pais added melody to the liturgical singing.
Fr Onil D’Souza, Director of St Anthony’s Ashram Jeppu thanked all those who worked for the success of procession and the celebration. Fr Harold Mascarenhas Parish Priest of Cascia, Fr James D’Souza Parish Priest of Valencia, Fr Clifford Fernandes Parish Priest of Jeppu, Fr Thrishan D’Souza and Fr Roshan D’Souza of St Anthony’s Ashram joined the celebration. Sisters from Holy Rosary Convent, Gerosa Convent, Infant Mary’s Convent, Vinayalaya, Deva Kripa, Roshani Nilaya, St Ann Convent were present. Thousands of devotees enthusiastically participated in the celebration. A fellowship meal was served to all the devotees at the Ashram.
