Shirva: On the eve of the annual parish feast of Lady of Health of Shirva Parish, the Vespers (Besp in Konkani) was observed with great devotion and gaiety on the evening of Tuesday, January 31.
The church as well as the premises was illuminated in decorative lighting which manifested itself as the night approached. The facade of the church and the belfry were elegant to view through colourful lighting. The Sun-Shine band played the tunes of hymns that gave an ethereal feel to the festive occasion. The festive ambience could be experienced through various stalls that were put up beside the church.
The chief celebrant of the Vespers was Rev. Fr. Herald Pereira, (Director, Commission for Small Christian Communities (SCC, Udupi Diocese).The Vespers service was also attended by many neighboring priests accompanied by Rev. Fr. Stanly Tauro (Parish Priest) and resident priests of the Shirva Parish.
The Vespers service commenced at the Circle near Syndicate Bank where the faithful had assembled by 6.15 pm, with reciting of Rosary. Rev. Fr. Herald Pereira conducted the prayer service and blessed the “Cherel” of the Lady of Health which was decorated with loads of flowers and illuminated with lights. Following the service at the circle, the faithful went in procession carrying lit candles accompanied by the brass band.
The Vespers Service was concluded with the blessing of the Holy Sacrament and a brief homily was delivered by the Celebrant Priest wherein he highlighted the slogan of ICYM National Convention held recently in Mangalore i.e., “Touch by Jesus, Walking in His way.” He elaborated on the slogan that touch by Jesus was Touch by the Word of God. He also narrated an incident involving two fighting tribes in Northern India who were touched by Jesus when a Priest brought them together with the word of Jesus and restored peace. Rev. Fr. Stanly Tauro thanked each and everyone for participating in the celebrations, particularly the youth, parish council members, volunteers and police personnal.
On this occasion former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake paid a courtesy visit and prayed at the altar. He was received warmly by Fr. Stany Tauro and office bearers of Parish Council (Wilson D’Souza – VP). Fr. StanyTauro offered him a Blessed Candle on the occasion for which Sorake thanked him and extended his greetings to the people of Shirva on the auspicious occasion of Vespers and Parish Feast.
People were seen greeting each other, visiting the stalls and lighting candles at the side of the church and seeking the blessings of Lady of Health. ICYM members put of loads of stalls and conducted various games 10 pm.
The Holy Eucharistic Mass was held on February 1 at 10:30 am on the annual feast of Lady of Health.
