Pangala/Shankerpura: 29 Dec 2016: On the eve of the annual parish feast of St. John the Evangelist, Patron Saint of Pangala Parish, the Vespers (Besp in Konkani) was celebrated with great devotion, enthusiasm and gaiety in St. John’s Evangelist Church, Pangla on the evening of Tuesday, 27 December 2016..

The church as well as the premises was brightly illuminated which manifested itself as the night approached. The facade of the church and the belfry were elegant to view through colourful lighting. The church band played tunes of hymns that manifested the festive occasion. The festive ambience could be experienced through various stalls that were put up by the right side of the church.

The chief celebrant of the Vespers was Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto (Director of SAMPADA) Udupi Diocese. The vespers service was also attended by Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis (Rector, St. Joseph’s Seminary Jeppu, Mangalore)Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza (Parish Priest, Pangla), Rev. Fr. Vincent Coello (Principal, PU College Pangla), Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro (Vicar Shirva Varado), Rev. Fr. Dr. Augustine Mendonsa (recently celebrated his golden anniversary of priesthood) and many other priests of Pangala Parish and guests from various parishes.

The Vespers service commenced at the Shankerpura where faithful had assembled by 6.30 pm. Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto conducted the prayer service and blessed the ‘Cherel’ of St. John the evangelist which was decorated with loads of Jasmine Flowers and illuminated with lights. Following the service at Shankerpura, the faithful went in procession carrying lighted candles accompanied by the brass band played by young band masters of Pangla Parish.

In the church benediction was held for the Holy Sacrament wherein a large number of faithful attaned and adored the blessed sacrament.

ICYM and YCS members put of loads of stalls and conducted various games which were heavily crowded until 10pm. People enjoyed all the games, variety of Ice creams, food stalls and various stalls of toys and jewelry.

The report of the Parish Fest held next day will be reported soon on this site.