Photos by Stanly Bantwal
Report by Fr Anil Fernandes, Rosario
May 1: Indian Catholic Youth Movement Central Council, Mangalore Diocese in collaboration with Diocesan Youth Welfare & Cultural Committee organized ‘March with Rosary’ a spiritual programme this evening.
All the Lay faithful gathered at Milagres Church Grounds at 3.45 pm. Mr Elroy Saldanha, ICYM President addressed gathering. V. Rev. Fr Maxim Dsouza – Chairperson, Youth & Cultural Committee placed an introductory note on ‘March with Rosary’. Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, Bishop of Mangalore released the Rosary Balloons and gave his message. He, then led a prayer for peace and blessed of the statue of our Lady of Rosary.
Bishop inaugurated the March by handing over the Cross to ICYM President. At 4.15 The procession began from Milagres church towards the Rosario Cathedral. Around 2500 devotes of Mother Mary marched with their Rosaries. The Cross and the Statue of Our Lady of Rosary was brought in procession with lots of fervor and devotion. 3000 rosaries were distributed to all.
V. Rev. Fr J.B. Crasta solemnly welcomed the gathering at Rosario and briefly explained the objectives of Year of the Rosary. Rev. Fr. Boniface Pinto, Preaching the Word of God, urged the faithful to pray the Rosary every day, make Mother Mary and Jesus as our dearest guests, Rosary should be our top most treasure in our life and hand over this great devotion to the next generations.
Rev Fr Richard Rodrigues, Director CCC initiated the Rosary with sounds and visuals. Faithfull prayed the Rosary devotedly standing, kneeling and raised hands placing all the intentions of our community and Nation at Large
The attraction of the day was the sharing the life experience of Rev.Fr. Tom Uzhunalil SDB. He was kidnapped and abducted by the Yemen-Jehadi terrorists for 18 months and then freed after several prayers by the Church. It was really heart touching.
Very Msgr. Denis Moras Prabhu concluded the programme by praying the blessings over the gathering.
Mr Joel ICYM secretary proposed the vote of thanks. Rev Fr Johnson Sequeira compered the programme.
Mr M.P Noronha, Secretary Diocesan PPC, Rev Fr Anil D’Sa Karnataka Regional youth Director, priests, Religious sisters and lay faithful were present.
