“Eucharist is the sacrament of Unity”, with this theme, the Annual Eucharistic Procession of the Diocese of Udupi was held at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur on 24 November 2019.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, presided over the Eucharistic celebration held at Milagres Cathedral, while Msgr. Dr Baptist Menezes, Vicar general of Udupi Diocese;V. Rev. Fr Stany B. Lobo, chancellor of Udupi Diocese; deans and priests from the Diocese were present among other faithful.
In the homily, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said that birth of Jesus Christ took place in the cattle shed where the animals were the first companions during his birth. Even though he is Son of God, he obeyed his mother Mary and father Joseph. Heavenly father gave him a task in the world. He helped the needy, he came to serve the people but not to be served. He reached each corner and tried to spread the Word of God. Finally he was crucified for all of us,”
After the Eucharistic celebration, Eucharist was taken in procession to Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, where adoration was held.
Rev. Fr Melwyl Roy Lobo, in his homily during the adoration at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, said “Eucharist was instituted during the last supper of Jesus. Since then, every day we celebrate it. What is unity? Understanding each other, staying together is unity. Unity in family, ward, church, organization, sports team, etc. We struggle to forgive. So we lag in unity. We should learn to forgive and ask for forgiveness. If we love each other, then we will be united.”
Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo thanked all the devotees of the Diocese for the active participation. “When I met the Holy Father on behalf of the Diocese, I promised the prayers. While blessing all of us he had asked to focus more on Christian family, youth and environment. We have conducted various programmes towards mission work this October. People have contributed generously for the same. Diocese of Udupi, with the help of St Vincent Paul Sabha, will focus more on building houses for the needy people in each parish for those who have the land. And this will be the theme for the 2020 for the diocese.”
Rev. Fr Stephen D’Souza, Director, Divya Jyothi and Rev. Dr Leslie D’Souza, Parish Priest Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte compered the celebrations. Rev. Dr Anil Castelino, Secretary, Priest senate council, proposed vote of thanks.
A large number of devotees from the diocese took active part in the Eucharistic celebrations and procession.