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Udupi : The Solemnity of Mother, the Holy Mother of God and vigil of New Year’s eve was celebrated with devotion and vigor at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur in Diocese of Udupi here on December 31, 2022.

The beautiful evening liturgy began with adoration of the Holy Sacrament from 7pm led by Rev Fr. Joy Andrade, assistant parish of the Milagres Cathedral along with beautiful hymns sung by choir members.

Prior to the Solemn Eucharist celebrations, parish pastoral new members took an oath and pledge solemnly at a ceremony held by Rector of the Milagres Cathedral and President of Parish Pastoral Committee.

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, Very Rev Fr. Denzil Martis, Superior and Vocational Director of Pilar Fathers Mini Seminary, Rev Fr. Nithesh D’Souza and Rev Fr. Steevan D’Souza of Pilar Fathers, Rev Fr. Ronson D’Souza and Rev Fr. Johney of Holy Cross Fathers, Katapady and parishioner native priest Rev Fr. Aloysius Lewis.

In his beautiful homily, Fr. Valerian Mendonca pointed out Mother of God. The almighty God has given us the opportunity to give respect for Mother of God on New Year day. The Church puts the feast of this solemnity on the first day of the New Year to emphasize the importance of Mary’s role in the life of Christ and of the Church. Mother Mary has a special role and mission given to her by God. She is a powerful intercessor for all our needs here on earth. In celebrating Her special feast day, we acknowledge this great gift for the Church and world. We call on her to be actively involved in our daily life, we imitate her virtuous life as a great inspiration and we cooperate with all the graces we get through her. Our elders since more than 350 years, the faithful of Milagres, have been kept on her devotion.

At the end of the mass, Rector Fr. Valerian Mendonca placed the weekly announcements. He expressed his gratitude to the Bishop, priests and all concerned for the grand celebration of vigil of New Year’s Eve and conveyed wishes on the occasion of New Year 2023.

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo later honoured the sponsors of the celebration by handing over a decorated candle. The Bishop also distributed various prizes for winners of various competitions held during the Christmas.

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo gave his New Year’s message and also gave condolence on the death of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. He said the faithful of the diocese should pray for the soul of Pope Benedict XVI.

As soon as the celebration of New Year mass ended, the participants in large numbers indulged in greeting one another. Coffee and cake served to all the devotees after the mass at Cathedral campus.