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Colourful Vespers on Tuesday, 2nd January, 2024, at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte – Kallianpur.

In preparation of Annual Parish Feast.Mount Rosary Church in Santhekatte – Kallianpur, continued its festive spirit beyond the New Year, gearing up for the ’Annual Parish Feast’ with a vibrant Vespers ceremony held on Tuesday, 2nd January 2024, at 6:45 p.m.

The parishioners and relatives gathered at the spacious church for the traditional Vespers, a colorful event in preparation for the upcoming feast. The evening commenced with the blessings of a well-decorated palkin carrying the statue of the patroness, ’Our Lady of Holy Rosary,’ in a procession led by the Brass Band team. The atmosphere was filled with live performances, devotional prayers, and the glow of candles held by the faithful.

Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda, a native of the parish and currently the Parish Priest of historical St Peter Church Barkur, presided over the ceremony. Joining him were Vicar Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza and Asst. Priest Rev. Fr. Oliver Nazareth, along with numerous priests from Kallianpur, Shirva, Udupi Deaneries, and neighboring areas.

Fr. Miranda delivered a poignant message on the importance of a prayerful life in both family and parish settings. Focusing on ’The Lord’s Prayer,’ he emphasized its key elements—address, worship, and acknowledgement—explaining the significance of each. Drawing from Holy Scriptures, he guided the congregation on the art and importance of prayer in fostering self-discipline, love, compassion, and justice in society.

With preparations underway for Jubilee 2025, Fr. Miranda stressed the daily devotion to the Patron Mother Mary of Holy Rosary in family life, promising peace, favor, and contentment. Reflecting on his childhood around the church, he recalled the devout priests who instilled the value of prayer.

The solemn benediction of the Holy Sacrament touched the hearts of the faithful as Fr. Miranda expressed gratitude, dedication, and raised collective prayers to the Almighty. The ceremony concluded with blessings bestowed upon the faithful.

As the church grounds teemed with parishioners, guests, and relatives, the festive mood reached its zenith. The interiors and exteriors of the church, adorned with fresh flowers and lighting, created a picturesque scene. The enthusiastic involvement of ICYM and YCS added to the vibrancy, featuring a Cock Draw, various games, and numerous stalls offering ice cream, mitai, masala churmuri, and more. The eagerly anticipated Housie Game, a star attraction in Mount Rosary, promised substantial cash prizes.

Luke DSouza, Vice President of the pastoral council, extended a warm welcome, while Parish Priest Rev. Dr. Roque DSouza introduced the main celebrant Fr. Ronald Miranda and outlined the scheduled proceedings for the evening and the upcoming Parish Feast celebrations.

The St. Vincent DePaul Society, known for its dedicated service, arranged the sale of candles, with proceeds supporting their charitable work in the parish. Looking ahead to Wednesday, 3rd January 2024, a Thanksgiving Festal Grand Mass at 10:30 a.m. will be concelebrated by Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Udupi, Dean of Kallianpur Varado V. Rev Fr. Valerian Mendonca, and guest priests. The anticipation for this grand celebration is palpable among the parishioners.