Udupi: The Solemnity of Mother, the Holy Mother of God and vigil of New Year’s Eve was celebrated with devotion and vigour at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur in the Diocese of Udupi here on December 31, 2023.
The beautiful evening liturgy began with adoration of the Holy Sacrament from 7 p.m. led by Rev Fr Joy Andrade, assistant parish of the Milagres Cathedral along with beautiful hymns sung by choir members composed and directed by Very Rev Fr Valerian Mendonca.
Bishop of Udupi Diocese Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo concelebrated the Solemn High Mass along with Very Rev Fr Valerian Mendonca, Rector, Rev Fr Joy Andrade assistant parish priest, Rev Fr Hector D’Souza SJ guest priest, Rev Fr Nithesh D’Souza Vocational Director of Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur and Rev Fr Ronson D’Souza parishioner and Manager of Holy Cross Fathers, Katapady.
In his beautiful homily, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo spoke of how Mother Mary washed the water from the faces of those who were in difficulties. Mother Mary is the mother of God in heaven with her children. She is beside us always. All the world calls Mary the Mother of us and God. Mother Mary is God’s gift to us.
Mother Mary accepted the word of God. She conceived Jesus by the work of the Holy Spirit and every Christian, each one of us, is called to accept the Word of God, to accept Jesus inside of us and then to bring him to everyone. Mary, trusted in God’s promises, was obedient to God’s word of invitation in her life, surrendered to the mystery before her, and committed herself to be part of God’s plan of salvation of Jesus. Mary said, My soul glorifies the Lord.
Mary was favoured by God for the important task of giving birth to, loving, and nurturing Jesus and along with her husband, Joseph, Mary allowed Jesus to increase in wisdom, stature and favour with God and other people. Mary is the model of perfect love and obedience to Christ.
Mary’s obedience became a blessing for humanity. By a miracle, the Son of God entered into history and space and took on humanity.
Mother Mary is the real Mother of us and the Son of God. Mother Mary is the role model of every mother. It is a reminder of the role she played in the salvation of humankind. Mary being chosen by God, the Father, to bring Jesus Christ into this world, and her willingness to do so is a great cause for celebration.
At the end of the mass, Rector Very Rev Fr Valerian Mendonca conveyed wishes on the occasion of New Year 2024 and conveyed gratitude for the Bishop, priests and all concerned faithful on the celebration of New Year’s Eve. The bishop distributed decorated candles to the main sponsor and other co-sponsors of the celebration.
Followed by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo conveyed the message and wishes to parishioners and non-resident parishioners on the occasion of the celebrations.
After the mass, prizes were distributed to winners of greeting card competitions organized by YCS members along with star and crib competitions held by ICYM members. The prizes also were distributed to the winners of a bible quiz organized by the editorial of Milarchi Laram. A Housie game was conducted by the YCS and ICYM members.
Earlier, the New Year celebrations which were organized by the ICYM members were launched by torch and balloon to the air by the Bishop and the Rector. A very large crowd of faithful gathered in the Cathedral to observe the New Year Eve vigil with thanksgiving mass. After the mass, the faithful conveyed New Year’s greetings to each other.
