Mangaluru: More than 150 Hindi-speaking Catholic faithful from across the region gathered at the St John Paul II Shrine, Bajpe, on August 15 to mark two significant occasions — India’s 80th Independence Day and the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A special Hindi Holy Mass was organised at the shrine, bringing together migrant workers and families from various North Indian states for an evening of faith, fellowship and community bonding.
Priests lead special Hindi Mass
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev Fr Roshan Thomas OP, a Dominican priest, as the principal celebrant. Rev Fr Anto Stalin OP delivered the homily.
The Mass was concelebrated by Rev Fr Sushil Kumar SVD, Rev Fr Jesudas D’Costa, Spiritual Director of the shrine and Parochial Vicar of Bajpe, and Rev Fr Vijay Monteiro, Assistant Parish Priest of Bajpe.
The liturgy was enriched by Hindi hymns performed by a combined choir comprising the Bethany Sisters and their candidates, Christian Brothers and lay members, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the celebration.
Gathering promotes unity and harmony
The special celebration provided an important platform for Hindi-speaking Catholic migrants and families to come together and strengthen their connection with the Church and one another.
At the conclusion of the Mass, V Rev Fr Rudolf Ravi D’Sa, Vicar Forane of the St Simon Pezar Deanery, congratulated the organising committee led by Fr Jesudas D’Costa for creating a welcoming space for the Hindi-speaking Catholic community.
He extended greetings on Independence Day and the feast of the Assumption, while highlighting the values of peace, national unity and communal harmony.
The gathering at Bajpe thus became a meaningful celebration of faith while bringing together people from diverse regions in a spirit of fellowship and unity.