A Celebration of Divine Grace and Community Spirit
The serene hill of Mudipu once again came alive with devotion, colour and spiritual fervor as thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the Annual Feast of St Joseph Vaz Shrine on December 5, 6 and 7, 2025. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Faith, Pilgrims of Hope,” beautifully echoed through every celebration, drawing pilgrims into a deeper experience of God’s grace through the intercession of St Joseph Vaz, the Apostle of Canara and the radiant missionary of the Konkan land.
A JOURNEY OF SPIRITUAL PREPARATION
The path to the feast celebrations was paved with prayer and contemplation. From December 1st to 3rd, the faithful embarked on a solemn three-day Triduum, gathering each morning at 10:00 a.m. for Adoration, Holy Mass, and Novena prayers. These days of preparation created an atmosphere of spiritual anticipation, as hearts opened to receive the abundant graces that would flow during the feast.
The eve of the feast, November 30th, witnessed a beautiful Votive Procession at 3:30 p.m., followed by the ceremonial hoisting of the feast flag at 4:30 p.m. Very Rev. Fr Cyprian Pinto, Vicar Forane of St Joseph Vaz Mangalore South Deanery, blessed and raised the flag amid joyful hymns and prayers. Adoration and special intercessions were offered for all the generous donors whose contributions made the celebration possible.
EMBRACING THE SUFFERING: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4TH
The feast festivities formally commenced on Thursday evening with a deeply moving Mass for the Sick and Elders at 4:30 p.m. Rev. Fr Franklin DSouza from the Diocese of Shimoga presided as main celebrant, leading the congregation in heartfelt prayers for healing and comfort. This special liturgy embodied the compassionate spirit of St Joseph Vaz, who dedicated his life to serving those in need, particularly during times of persecution and suffering. His comforting words and prayerful blessing created a deeply moving moment for many who sought physical and spiritual healing.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5TH: A CARDINAL’S BLESSING
The Feast Day on December 5 witnessed a historic gathering as His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa & Daman, presided over the Solemn Festal Mass. His message of hope and steadfast faith inspired the faithful to carry the missionary legacy of St Joseph Vaz into their families and communities.
The first Feast Day dawned with immense joy and devotion. Before the celebration of the Holy Mass, a deeply meaningful moment took place: The Sacred Flag Mast, constructed near the holy Shrine, was inaugurated and dedicated to the faithful. This majestic mast stands as a beacon of inter-religious existence, symbolising unity, peace and the harmonious co-existence of all communities.
Cardinal Ferrao’s homily touched hearts as he reflected on the theme, reminding the faithful that like St Joseph Vaz, who remained rooted in his faith despite persecution, we too must anchor ourselves in Christ while journeying as pilgrims of hope in our modern world. He whole heartedly praised the all-round development of shrine in these 25 years and congratulated the shrine committee and faithful for their support and cooperation.
Adding immense joy to the occasion, the Mass was concelebrated and attended by:
- Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore,
whose graceful presence blessed the congregation and strengthened the spiritual significance of the day. - Fr Alwyn D’Cunha, the founder priest of the Mudipu Shrine,
whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for this holy place. - Very Rev. Fr Cyprian Pinto, Vicar Forane,
along with Several priests and clergy of the Diocese of Mangalore, all joining together in unity, thanksgiving and devotion.
The Shrine witnessed an extraordinary gathering of the faithful, who participated with reverence, singing praises and invoking the intercession of St Joseph Vaz. Evening Masses in Konkani at 5.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. further enriched the day with grace.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH: EPISCOPAL WISDOM
The second feast day maintained the spiritual momentum with another distinguished prelate at the altar. Most Rev. Dr Bernard Moras, Bishop Emeritus of the Bangalore Archdiocese, presided over the Solemn Festal Mass at 10:30 a.m. Known for his pastoral warmth and theological depth, Bishop Moras delivered an inspiring homily that challenged the faithful to examine the roots of their faith.
A Shrine Alive with Blessings
Throughout the festival days, the hilltop Shrine welcomed a multitude of pilgrims who participated in liturgical celebrations in Konkani and Kannada. Arrangements for Mass offerings, Pirjenth, Muddom, confessions and devotional services reflected the Shrine’s commitment to serving God’s people with love. Holy articles, prayer books and religious items further enriched the pilgrim experience.
In a spirit of fraternity, the Shrine offered meals to all pilgrims, transforming the campus into a family of faith united around the table of fellowship.
A Celebration of Faith and Gratitude
Under the leadership of Rev. Fr Assisi Rebello, Parish Priest & Shrine Rector, and Rev. Fr Vikas Pereira, Assistant Parish Priest, the PPC members, committee volunteers and parishioners worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth and prayerful celebration. Their dedication embodied the spirit of St Joseph Vaz—humble, tireless and joy-filled.
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