Kundapur, Jan 16: St Joseph was ministering in and around Kundapur about 300 years ago. One day when he was praying, pleased by his prayers, Lord God lifted him up from the ground level. A priest was the eye witness for this glorious moment. Then he ministered in Sri Lanka as an apostle, did many miracles and then declared as a saint. He is the first Konkani Saint. His annual feast was celebrated in Kundapur.

Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi Diocese was the main celebrant and many other priests participated in the Holy Mass.

In his message the bishop said - “God’s presence in the family is very important. Christ-centered life should be our priority. The difficulties, illness help us to become more spiritual. We should pray together. We should take care of the patients, we should love them.

The programme was held in the open ground and Rev Fr Anil Dsouza the ward priest of Kundapur conducted the novena prayers. Many priests of the ward, guest priests, religious sisters and many devotees participated in this fest. The priests and religious sisters from Rae Bareli and Bhubaneswar Diocese participated who had come to attend ICYM meeting also participated in this.

Kundapur choir group sang the choir songs under the direction of Rev Fr Praveen Amrit Martis. Jacob Dsouza the vice president of Kundapur Church, the members and many religious sisters were present. Felcian Dsouza the secretary of Kundapur Church proposed the vote of thanks.