Udupi Oct 4: The members of Franciscan Secular Tertiary Order (Third Order) celebrated the feast of their founder and patron St. Francis of Assisi on Sunday at 8:00 a.m. mass at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur by Rev. Fr. Rolwin Aranha Asst. Parish Priest with beautiful homily in regard to the family  matters as per the day’s liturgy. In his introduction prior to the mass he said that St. Francis of Assisi was a man of prayer, penance and peace.

He was one of the earliest promoters of environmental protection.  Realizing the greatness of St. Francis of Assisi the present pope on his election adopted the name ‘Francis’ after St. Francis of Assisi. The Holy Mass was animated by the members of the Tertiary Order of Milagres Cathedral Unit including the readings, choir, offerings’ and so on.

Six new members of the Order took oath before the altar, which was conducted by Fr. Rolwin and Jacintha Lewis President of the Unit.

During the announcements, Rector of the cathedral Very Rev. Fr. Stany B. Lobo extended greetings of the feast to the Order and asked the members to follow the teachings and examples of their patron St. Francis of Assisi.  After the mass, get-together of members was held at the Priest Home meeting hall, which Fr. Rowlin Aranha was the guest of honour.  

He said that we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most popular Saints for Christians and also non-christians, and also that he is a saint for all.  St. Francis has won the love and the admiration of so many generations by giving the Gospel and presenting poverty, chastity and strength of a radical loving and personal witness.  He extended his greetings to all the members of the Order.

 Earlier Jacintha Lewis welcomed the gathering and Juliet D’Silva presented the report for the year. Eugene Rebello delivered the vote of thanks as well as compered the program.