By Fr. Richard DSouza
Jan 6 : The Annual Eucharistic Procession of Mangalore diocese and the inauguration of year of youth in the diocese were held on 6 January 2018 at Rosario Cathedral Mangalore.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the Eucharistic celebration held at Milagres Church and preached the homily on the theme of Epiphany. He explained the meaning of three gifts offered by Magi and the relevance of a star in the spiritual journey.
After the mass the Eucharistic procession was taken from Milagres Church to Rosario Cathedral where thousands of lay faithful, Priests, religious, youth and children adored the Eucharistic Lord by singing hymns.
Fr Leo Lasrado Professor St Joseph’s Seminary preached the homily. He emphasized the role of youth in building the church walking on the footsteps of Jesus in the power of the Word of God.
In his address Bishop Peter Paul said, Jesus was the youth and He was close to His Father and also to humanity. If we walk on the footprints of Jesus there is success. Youth are future of the Church. Many times youth think they are intelligent but knowledge of Youth and wisdom and experience of the elders will make the mission of youth successful. Bishop requested all the parishes of Mangalore Diocese to Inaugurate the year of youth on next Sunday.
Next year is dedicated to youth in Mangalore diocese so the Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha inaugurated the year of Youth by unveiling the logo along with Most Rev Aloysius Paul D Souza Bishop Emeritus, Msgr Maxim Noronha the Vicar General , Fr Ronald D Souza Director ICYM, Fr Rupesh Madtha Director YCS/ YSM, Youth leaders , varado Directors and animators.
The Bishop honored the parishes who contributed more to Mission Sunday Collections.
Fr Vijay Machado Director Mangala Jyothi , Fr Clifford Fernandes the Parish Priest Jeppu Church compeered the programme.