Udupi: Christmas eve was celebrated at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur with much devotion and joy on Tuesday, December 24, 2019.
The Christmas Eve liturgy began with beautiful Christmas Carols sung by the Choir group of the Cathedral at 6.30 pm. This was followed by the Solemn High Mass concelebrated by the Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese along with Very Rev Dr. Lawrence C D’Souza, Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Rev Fr. Canute Noronha Assistant Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Lancy Fernandes, SJ, Principal of Milagres English Medium School and Very Rev Fr. John Bennet, Superior of the Pilar Fathers and Minor Seminary, Kallianpur.
In his homily, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo said that the world waited for the arrival of Jesus Christ, who was the light of the world. He said that during Christmas all over the world cribs are prepared. The Christmas crib represents how Jesus was born and it exhibits figures that represent Infant Jesus, his mother, Mary and her husband, Joseph. There are various other characters that are part of the Christmas crib which provides a complete picture of God who becomes God in man.
He pointed out why God become man. Jesus gives us the way for our life. Jesus is faith. He came to the world to recover and rebuild. He came to re-establish our life. The birth of Jesus in the hut which teaches us about God’s simplicity and God expects to live our lives the same way. God becomes a man for us to unite in love and peace.
The Bishop said that that Crib shows the love of God for his creation. Through Jesus, the Crib teaches us forgiveness from sin and calls upon us to follow God through Jesus. The crib also teaches us to evangelize the Holy Word of God. God is Emmanuel and is with us. God the supreme lover will pursue us in love for eternity.
At the end of the mass, Fr. Canute Noronha expressed his gratitude for those who helped out with the Christmas celebrations. The Bishop distributed decorated candles to the sponsors of the festival.
In his Christmas message, Bishop said that the celebration of Christmas brings us together in unity and peace. We should try to make the family happy. This forthcoming year 2020, the diocese under the St Vincent de Paul Society is planning to give shelter (home) for the poor @ of at least one per church of the diocese. We should try our best to solve the shelter problems faced by the needy. At the end of the mass, he wished everyone a very happy Christmas.
Under the leadership of ICYM, a delicious cake was auctioned for a five-digit value. Prizes were distributed to winners of the best crib competition and best star-making competition. An entertainment programme conducted by the ICYM with dance and housie games. Santa also presented himself and entertained the children and others. The Rector of the Cathedral and other priests were present during the occasion.
Large numbers of the faithful participated in the Christmas Eve celebration in the church as well as during the entertainment programme.
