Udupi : Vigil Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God celebrated the New Year’s Eve with devotion, at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, Diocese of Udupi, here on 31st December, 2017.

The evening liturgy started with Adoration of the Holy Sacrament from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm led by Rev Fr. Lancy Fernandes, sj, Asst. Parish Priest of the cathedral.

Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese concelebrated the Solemnity Eucharistic Celebrations along with Very Rev Fr. Stany B Lobo, the Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Rev Fr. Rollwin Aranha, assistant parish priest, Rev Fr. Henry Mascarenhas, Estate Head, Diocese of Udupi, Very Rev Fr. Herald Mathias, Superior of Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur, Rev Fr. Lancy Fernandes, Principal of Milagres English Medium Schools and assistant parish priest of Milagres and Rev Fr. Nelson Furtado.

During his homily Fr. Rolwin Aranha said that Mother Mary is the Mother of God in the sense that she carried in her womb a divine person – Jesus Christ, God in the flesh (John 1-14) and the sense that she contributed the genetic matter to the human form God took in Jesus Christ. We firmly believe in the incarnation of our Lord, Mary. Mother Mary consents to God’s invitation conveyed by the Angel (Luke 1.26-38). Mary’s role as Mother of God places her in a unique in God’s redemptive plan. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory. The glory of an only Son coming from the Father filled with enduring love.

The Angel of God has given the introduction of Mary and Mother Mary is role model for Her devotees. Mother Mary helps us to keep good life. She is the mediator between God and us. Mary is the way to go the Lord nearer.

Fr. Rolwin said that we should have to change new thinking with better life in years to come. The Sacrament of Repentance will lead us better to go with Jesus. Pope Francis gave us call to preserve environment clean. It is time to look back, with thanksgiving, but also look forward into a new future with new thinking, he said.

At the end of the mass, Cathedral Rector Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo gave gratitude to all concerned for the grand celebrations and conveyed wishes on the occasion of New Year 2018. He said most of the developmental projects were concluded. But yet three projects like installation of 14 stations of the way of Cross at Cathedral premises with leveling the premises with interlocks and the works in cemetery. He called generous donors to complete these pending projects development.

Bishop in his message said that Mother Mary was the patroness of our Cathedral as well as the diocese as well. Our Lady of Miracles helps us in all our needs. We succeeded the work of Lord that 18 pastoral commissions in all the churches of the diocese. Twelve new churches are built with three churches renovated. New plot was purchased from Cathedral parishioner Robert Cornelio of Kakkunje for the diocese pastoral building. The house for the priests already established. The diocese is running with all favourable mission of Jesus. He said let us start with God by together in family prayers, eating together with the family and talking with love in our family together. He conveyed his best wishes for the faithful on the occasion of New Year 2018.