Mangaluru: Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Mangaluru celebrated the Festive Mass at St. Vincent Ferrer Church on October 4at 5 PM. The celebration was organised by St. Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia, St. Joseph’s Church, Jeppu and St. Rita Church, Cascia to mark the dedication of the month of October to Our Lady of the Rosary.
The Bishop, in his message, said that there is a beautiful custom among the Catholic families of Mangaluru to perform Rosary prayers in the evening before supper. Soon after the prayer of the Rosary, the younger members of the family seek the blessings from their elders. It is a prayer which keeps and binds the families together. He asked the people present to keep this beautiful tradition going and not to neglect it for any reason.
Fr. Clifford Fernandes, Professor of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, gave a homily at St. Anthony’s Ashram. He preached on the theme, “Mother Mary help us to reach Jesus our Lord.”
After the Holy Mass, Mangaluru Mayor Bhaskar Moily flagged off the procession that was carried out till Valencia Church. The decorated statue of Our Lady of the Rosary was taken in the procession accompanied by a tableau depicting the various Apparitions of Mother Mary. The devotees chanted the Rosary prayers during the procession.
Fr. Onil D’Souza of St. Anthony’s Ashram, Jeppu, Fr. James D’Souza and Fr. Joswin, Valencia, Fr. Harold Mascarenhas of Cascia Church were present. MLC Ivan D’Souza wished the best for the programme. Fr. Francis D’Souza, the administrator of the institutes and Fr. Thrishan, the assistant director proposed a vote of thanks.
Members from St. Anthony’s Ashram, Jeppu, Prashanth Nivas, Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu, Gerosa Convent, Jeppu and Roshni Nilaya, Valencia joined in the celebrations.
