Udupi: The New Year’s Eve, Vigil Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God was celebrated at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, diocese of Udupi with devotion on 31st December, 2015. The evening liturgy started with Adoration of the Holy Sacrament from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm led by Deacon Denis Miranda, Capuchin.

The Vigil Solemnity High Eucharistic mass was concelebrated by His Lordship Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese along with Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo, Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Rev Fr. Henry Mascarenhas, Estate Head, Diocese of Udupi, Rev Fr. Denis Lobo, Superior of Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur, Rev Fr. Rollwin Aranha, Asst. Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Nelson Furtado of Pilar Fathers and Deacon Denis Miranda.

During his homily, Rev Fr. Henry Mascarenhas pointed out the role of Mother Mary with Jesus, the Son of God. The life of Jesus begins with Mother Mary. Therefore, it is appropriate that we begin the New Year with a Feast of Mary, the Mother of God. Since Mother Mary is the Mother of God, she is the Mother of Joy, Joy to the world.

Mother Mary is the bridge of God’s relation. Through Mother Mary, we start the new year. We need help and guidance from Mother Mary. She never neglected our prayers. We should be thankful to our Lord almighty that Mother Mary is the patroness of our parish as well as our diocese. It is time to look back, with thanksgiving, but also forward into a new future, he said.

At the end of the mass, Cathedral Rector, Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo gave gratitude words on New Year’s Eve celebrations and he conveyed wishes on the occasion of New Year 2016.

Bishop in his message on New Year’s Eve said that Mother Mary is the patroness of our Cathedral as well as the diocese. We must give thanks to the Lord that for Mother Mary is the patroness of our diocese. As we celebrate Divine Mercy Year, let us give mercy to those who are in trouble and are in need. Let us forgive and give mercy to others. Let us start with God by helping each other and helping the poor of poorest.

After the Eucharistic celebrations, Catholic Sabha, Milagres Cathedral unit distributed prizes for the winners of Elocution competitions. Meanwhile, YCS unit organized housie housie games and distributed the prizes.

Large number of faithful participated in the New Year’s Vigil services and conveyed wishes to each other on the occasion.