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Report by: P. Archibald Furtado.
Photographs: Praveen Cutinho / Peter Lewis.
Udupi: In a resplendent display of faith and community spirit, the annual Vodlen Festh at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, Kallianpur, unfolded with vibrant celebrations. The festivities commenced with the Vespers, drawing a massive gathering of devoted parishioners and friends, setting the tone for a day of gratitude and jubilation.
Today, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, the parishioners gathered in substantial numbers to express their thanks and pay homage to the patroness ‘Our Lady of Holy Rosary.’ The occasion served as a platform to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and reflect on the countless blessings, peace, and mercy bestowed upon the parish community in the past year.
The customary ‘Maan Vantap’ ceremony, honouring donors, commenced precisely at 10:00 a.m. Vicar Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza expressed gratitude by presenting blessed candles to the present office bearers, members of the Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, Gurkars of Wards, and representatives, acknowledging their contributions towards the successful execution of events and the smooth functioning of the church in the previous year.
The ‘Thanksgiving Festal Mass,’ starting at 10:30 a.m., featured guest priests from the Kallianpur denary and Diocese. Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, the Vicar General of the Udupi Diocese, led the ceremony, joined by V. Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca, the Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, and a congregation of native and guest priests. The solemn procession, accompanied by a melodious brass band, added a touch of grandeur to the occasion.
During the Mass, Monsignor Gonsalves extended festal greetings to the entire parish family and delivered a poignant homily reflecting on the role of Mother Mary in protecting humanity, especially during the challenging days of the Covid-19 pandemic. He emphasized unity in Christ and urged the faithful to extend help to the less fortunate in society, illustrating the miraculous presence of Mother Mary in daily life. The well-trained choir, under the guidance of Mrs. Jovita Fernandes, enhanced the solemnity of the Eucharistic celebration with carefully chosen hymns and soothing music.
As the beautifully adorned church neared its capacity, Rev. Dr. Roque DSouza, the parish priest, took a moment to express gratitude to all for their support, sacrifice, and cooperation in the smooth running of the parish, particularly in the preceding year. Festal greetings were extended on behalf of Asst. Vicar Fr. Oliver Nazareth to parishioners, relatives, friends, guest priests, and all those who contributed to the parish’s well-being.
Rector of the Milagres Cathedral V Rev Fr Valerian Mendonca extended festal greetings to the Priests and parish community on behalf of Deanery and priests present and expressed his happiness to be a part of these celebrations.
Despite being a working day, with ongoing university semester exams, the festivities continued with youthful enthusiasm. Games stalls, Housie, and various entertaining activities organized by the ICYM and YCS members brought joy to the youth and children. Although traditional attractions like ferry-wheels and fireworks were absent this year, the festive mood prevailed.
It is heartening to note that the newly constructed Mount Rosary Church celebrating its Decennial Year in 2024-25. After few years, it’s a blessing in disguise, we have Mrs Jacintha Lilia Saldanha Family, of St Joseph Ward as Pirjenth, of parish feast 2025, who were recognized by Vicar Rev Dr. Roque DSouza.
To cap off the day with amusement, the youth presented ‘JUGARI,’ a Kannada drama by the renowned Asthitva Mangalore, held at 6:45 p.m. in the Millennium Auditorium of the Church.
In conclusion, this year’s Vodlen Festh at Mount Rosary Church stood out as a special and unique celebration, marked by religious fervour, devotion, and the wholehearted participation of the parish family.
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