Report by: Ashwin D’Silva
Kallianpur, 8 September 2024: The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated with great devotion and festivity at Our Lady of Miracles Cathedral, Kallianpur.
A large number of parishioners, devotees, and children gathered in front of the Tri-Centenary Hall to take part in the joyous occasion. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of the Udupi Diocese and Rector of the Cathedral, along with Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest, and Fr Ronson D’Souza, led the prayer service for the blessing of the newly harvested paddy corn. The children offered flowers to Infant Mary in a touching tribute, signifying their love and respect for the Blessed Mother. A ceremonial procession followed, with parishioners, gurkars carrying the blessed paddy corn, and the firgent family proceeding towards the Cathedral.
The Holy Eucharistic Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Fr Pradeep Cardoza, and Fr Ronson D’Souza. In his homily, Fr Pradeep Cardoza emphasised the importance of building strong family bonds, drawing inspiration from Mother Mary. He encouraged families to gather, eat, and pray together, stressing the vital role women play in nurturing families. He further highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of the feast, which celebrates sweetness and joy, and invited everyone to spread love, colour, and fragrance in their lives. Fr Pradeep also reminded the faithful of their responsibility to protect the environment, symbolised by the harvest of new corn, and also called for respect for women, as representatives of Mother Mary.
After the Eucharistic celebration, Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves handed over the blessed paddy corn and a decorated candle to Mr Felix D’Souza of the firgent family, continuing a cherished tradition. Decorated candles were also distributed to the sponsors of the feast as a token of gratitude.
The celebration extended with the distribution of scholarships to meritorious students from Milagres Institutions, sponsored by the firgent family in memory of the late Lazarus D’Souza and the late Margaret D’Souza. Awards were also presented to the winners of the “Milarchim Lharam” Bible Quiz and the Inter-Ward Marian Singing Competition and Bible Quiz Competition organised by ICYM Milagres. The newly blessed paddy corn was then distributed among all the devotees by the ward gurkars.
The liturgy and choir were beautifully conducted by the children of the parish, adding a special touch to the feast. Following the celebrations, the members of ICYM Milagres distributed sweets and sugarcane to the children, while payasam was served to all the devotees, marking the conclusion of the joyful event.
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary remains a much-loved and significant celebration at Our Lady of Miracles Cathedral, bringing the community together in faith, love, and gratitude.
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