The Church of Nossa Senhora de Milagres , popularly known as Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur celebrates Annual Feast on 17th January, 2024 with all grandeur and gaiety….
At the backdrop of feasts losing its old sheen and importance, the one still retains its glory, charm and attraction is that of Milagres Church in Kallianpur. Traditionally it has retained its magnetic pull and this year’s celebration, it’s proved to be one more spectacular display of divinity, prayers and celebration.
At sharp 9.45 am the Pirjents – the main sponsors ‘Kallianpur Friends’ were given a cordial and ceremonial welcome by the V. Rev Fr Valerian Mendonca the Rector and Dean of Milagres Cathedral at the main entrance of the artistic church followed by ‘Maan Vantap’ to remember the forefathers and founders, the donors and benefactors of this historical Church, with blessed Candles as a token of gratitude.
As the time for the ‘Festal Grand Mass’ was approaching nearer, the well decorated Church full to its capacity by 10.30 am, as the main celebrant Rev Fr Vijay Machado, Director Mangala Jyothi Mangalore, accompanied by couple of dozens of concelebrants arrived in a dignified procession to the main Altar of the Church. The traditional Brass band led them from the front and the Choir of the parish at their best to sing the entrance hymn, to give the spirited start to the religious ceremonies.
Soon after the formal welcome and introduction by Mr Owen Rodrigues the Holy Mass was offered with the active and prayerful participation of the faithful.
The theme for the feast day was ‘seek guidance of Mother Mary in our spiritual journey – to renew and transform our life of faith through prayers, to walk into her footsteps…and in his powerful sermon Rev Fr Vijay Machado insisted in following Mother of Miracles, our patroness, the way her responding to God’s call to love and serve unconditionally…As the disciples of her son Jesus, all of us are called to reach that same height of holiness……’ he explained with examples.
He concluded with three requirements –‘ a life of prayers, kindness and compassion and living a life with righteousness in our deeds…. as our journey of faith, as Mary guide us as the symbol and most perfect realization of Christian values….’Our lady of Milagres is the woman of the Revelations of St John, “And a great portent appeared in heaven , a woman clothed with the Sun with the Moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars….” rightly be our inspiration and strength.
The rejuvenated Choir of the parish, well trained by Rev Fr Valerian, an ace musician and composers with their best and chosen hymns and soothing music added more attraction and divinity to the Solemn Eucharistic celebration deservedly need a special mention.
As the artistic and attractive church was almost full to its capacity, unlike yesterday it was not overflowing, the parish priest, V Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca, took the opportunity to thank each and everyone, for their support, sacrifice and cooperation for the smooth running of the parish, especially previous year 2023. He also extended festal greetings, also on behalf Asst. Vicar Fr. Joy Andrade, to all parishioners, relatives, friends and guest priests, all the way coming from the parishes of the deanery, priest who served here in Milagres earlier, deacons, and Pilar Fathers. He specially thanked the’ Kallianpur Friends’ the sponsors and their Families and announced and introduced new Pirjenths for next year.
Main celebrant Rev Fr Vijay Machado presented decorated candles to Kallianpur Friends Families around 16 of them for their economical support and involvement and conveyed festal greetings.
Parish priest of Thottam St Ann’s Church Rev Fr Denis DSa, extended festal greetings to the Priests and parish community on behalf of Deanery and priests present and expressed his happiness to be a part of these celebrations. He referred the New Parochial House Project for the Cathedral announced by the Rector and requested the parishioners to collaborate and cooperate wholeheartedly to realise it soon.
Though it is a working day, there is no dearth for usual pomp and splendour for youth and children with the variety of fun Games stalls, Housie, Ice Cream……..Thanks to the ever enthusiastic ICYM and YCS members were successful to ignite the festive mood with draw, and other entertaining Games stalls etc.
To add amusement and pleasure, the Pirjents team, ‘Kallianpur Friends’, is ready with a Tulu drama, by famed Devdas, Kapikad and team Mangalore, organised at 6.45 pm in the Milagres College grounds
All together, this year’s Parish Feast was distinctly special and unique, with Pirjenth witnessed religious fervour, devotion and total participation by the parish family as one.
Report by: Archibald Furtado.
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