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Mount Rosary Parishioners Welcome New Year 2026 with Thanksgiving High Mass

As the golden sun gently set at 6.00 p.m. on the last evening of the year, 31st December, Mount Rosary Parish joyfully gathered to bid farewell to a grace-filled year and welcome New Year 2026 with hearts overflowing with gratitude and hope.

The solemn spiritual preparation began with a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration, prayerfully animated by the ICYM and YCS youth of the parish, in the august presence of Rev. Dr Sunil Kumar D’Souza, Professor of Canon Law at St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru. In a deeply reflective atmosphere, the faithful thanked the Almighty for the abundant blessings of peace, happiness, health, and prosperity received during the year 2025.

At sharp 7.00 p.m., the Thanksgiving High Mass, marking the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, commenced with a vibrant entrance hymn led by the dedicated Church Choir under the leadership of Mr Joe D’Souza. The beautifully decorated Mount Rosary Church wore a festive yet reverent look, and the overwhelming participation of the faithful filled every corner of the church, the portico, and the side wings, bearing testimony to the parish’s strong faith and Marian devotion.

In his inspiring and insightful homily, the main celebrant Rev. Dr Sunil Kumar D’Souza eloquently unfolded the biblical roots, historical significance, and the official declaration (1931) of the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. He emphasized that Jesus Christ—true God and true Man—willed to enter the world through a Mother, and that Mary, chosen by God, became the bridge between heaven and earth. The message resonated profoundly with the faithful as they entrusted the New Year to the loving maternal care of Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, the cherished Patroness of Mount Rosary Parish.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Parish Priest Rev. Dr Roque D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr Rohan Mascarenhas, along with guest priests Rev. Fr Carnelio and Rev. Fr Vasanth, adding grace and solemnity to the occasion.

True to tradition, the youth of the parish once again stood at the centre stage, prayerfully leading the liturgy through readings, the Prayer of the Faithful, and choir singing—reflecting their vibrant faith and active involvement in parish life.

On this meaningful occasion, the newly elected ICYM President and Office Bearers were administered the oath of office by the Parish Priest, invoking God’s blessings on their leadership and service in the coming year.

As the sacred celebration concluded around 8.30 p.m., Rev. Dr Roque D’Souza extended warm New Year greetings to the gathered faithful. He expressed heartfelt joy and gratitude as the parish gracefully concluded the Great Jubilee Year 2025, marking the Decennial Year of the newly built Mount Rosary Church, along with several spiritually enriching programmes conducted during the year.

With prayers rising through Mary, the Mother of God and Our Lady of the Rosary, Mount Rosary Parish stepped into New Year 2026 renewed in faith, united in hope, and committed to walking together as a worshipping, witnessing, and serving community.

Wishing all a Blessed, Peace-filled and Prosperous New Year 2026! 

Reported by: P.Archibald Furtado.
Photographs arranged by:Praveen Cutinho