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Udupi Diocese unites in the ‘Feast of Christ the King’ and Annual Eucharistic Procession

Udupi : The Udupi Diocesan Eucharistic Procession, a cherished annual event marking the Feast of Christ the King, was celebrated with grandeur and devotion on Sunday, November 24, 2024. The event began at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, and culminated at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte. It drew large numbers of the faithful, over 3000, including clergy, religious, and laity from across the diocese.

Solemn Holy Mass and Procession

The day commenced with the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3.00 pm followed by solemn Holy Mass at Milagres Cathedral, led by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, at 3.30 pm, concelebrated with Priests from the Diocese. In his homily, Bishop Lobo reflected on Christ’s kingship, calling the faithful to live as witnesses to His love and service. He reflected on the kingship of Christ, emphasizing His rule of love, service, and sacrifice. He continued, ‘on the Feast of Christ the King, we celebrate the boundless mercy of Jesus, who reigns with love, compassion and forgiveness, drawing all people to his eternal kingdom…’ Bishop exhorted the faithful to embody the virtues of humility and compassion, following the example of Christ the King.

The colourful Eucharistic procession began after the Mass, with the Blessed Sacrament reverently carried in a beautifully adorned monstrance, in an artistically decorated vehicle. The brass band, choir members of Milagres Cathedral and Mount Rosary Church well supported by others enhanced the spiritual atmosphere with melodious hymns and chants in the Church and others joining the chorus and in prayers throughout the 1.5 KM long procession and during the adoration service. Their harmonized singing lifted the hearts of the faithful and added a profound sense of devotion.

Adoration and Benediction

The procession concluded at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, with a solemn Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, led by Bishop and Rev. Dr. Jencil Alva in his devout and scholarly reflections reminded the regular and deep prayers and meditations keep the families united. He insisted all to ‘adore and surrender fully to His infinite mercy and blessings’, and let us journey as pilgrims of hope with Jesus, the Divine Eucharist…the Light of the World, exchanged a throne of glory for a cross of shame to restore us from slavery to sin to glory with God as His adopted sons and daughters…’.

Bishop led the Prayer of dedication of the faithful to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Rosarian Choir melodiously led and sung the hymn ‘Let us bow in adoration’ and the ceremony ended with Benediction, imparting blessings to all present.

Symbol of Unity and Faith

The Eucharistic procession was a powerful manifestation of the unity and faith of the Udupi Diocese. The decorated route with buntings and banners, active participation of diverse groups, and the heartfelt prayers of the faithful reaffirmed the diocese’s commitment to Christ the King. 

As the liturgical year comes to a close, the Feast of Christ the King serves as a reminder of Christ’s ultimate authority over heaven and earth. The Eucharistic Procession reinforced this message, encouraging the faithful to surrender their lives to the divine will of Christ and to live as witnesses of His kingdom. The annual event concluded with refreshments around 6.20 pm and truly an opportunity for fellowship, leaving the faithful spiritually enriched and inspired to carry forward the mission of Christ in their daily lives.

Contributions of Volunteers and Organizations

The success of this event owed much to the concerted efforts of various parish and diocesan organizations: ICYM (Indian Catholic Youth Movement) and YCS (Young Catholic Students) volunteers’ ensured smooth flow and discipline during the procession deserve appreciation. Well dressed and devout Altar Servers from various parishes displayed their dedication by assisting in the liturgical ceremonies and maintaining reverence around the Blessed Sacrament.

Members of the Catholic Sabha, Stree Sanghatan and other pious organizations from the Kallianpur Varado and the entire diocese contributed their time and effort to ensure every aspect of the procession was carried out with precision.

The large number of faithful from the nearby local twin parishes and a significant number from distant Churches from Byndoor to Ajekar, spread in five Deaneries viz Kundapur, Shirva, Karkala Udupi and Kallianpur,  united in prayer and devotion, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

Leadership and Coordination

Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, the Rector Milagres Cathedral and Vicar General of the Udupi Diocese, played a pivotal role in overseeing the overall organization and coordination of the event. His leadership with the parishioners and laity leadership ensured seamless planning, enabling the faithful to partake in this spiritual journey with devotion and discipline. His guidance was instrumental in aligning the efforts of the various groups involved in the procession.

At Mount Rosary Church, Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza, Parish Priest, took charge of hosting the culmination of the procession. His and Team’s meticulous arrangements ensured that the church and its surroundings were well-prepared to receive the Eucharistic procession. He led his team in decorating the venue, organizing the liturgical celebrations, and extending hospitality to the faithful. 

Rev Fr Wilson DSouza and Rev Fr Cyril Lobo meticulously managed the proceedings in the Cathedral and Mt Rosray open ground, respectively, while Mrs Priya Furtado Secretary PPC Mt Rosary Santhekatte - Kallianpur proposed vote of thanks.

The day left the community spiritually enriched, motivated to live by the values of the Eucharist, and prepared to celebrate the approaching liturgical season of Advent with renewed fervour as the Church preparing to celebrate the Jubilee 2025.

Reported by: P. Archibald Furtado

Photographs: Richard DSouza.

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