Fr. Rohit D’Costa Inaugurates 36-Hour ‘Bible Gajhovni’ at Holy Cross Church, Cordel
Mangaluru: Holy Cross Church in Cordel witnessed the inauguration of a 36-hour-long Bible Gajhovni on May 22. The event was officiated by Fr. Rohit D’Costa, the Director of Mangala Jyothi – DBCLC. Marked by solemnity and devotion, it drew a significant number of parishioners and devotees.
The inauguration was preceded by a Holy Eucharistic Celebration at 6:15 a.m., which Fr. Rohit D’Costa, Fr. Clifford Fernandes, the Parish Priest of Cordel Church, and Fr. Loyd D’Souza.
In his homily, Fr. Clifford Fernandes emphasized the transformative power of the Holy Bible, urging the congregation to reflect on their capacity for selfless love. “Those who read the Holy Bible must ask themselves whether they love others more than themselves,” he stated. “Do we love our wealth and worldly possessions more than God and our neighbour? Jesus has called us to become good shepherds who listen to His voice and guide others with love and compassion. Today, as we begin this 36-hour Bible Gajhovni, we are called not only to read the Scriptures but also to live according to the teachings of the Bible in our daily lives.”
Following the Mass, a solemn procession conveyed the Holy Bible to the altar. Fr. Rohit D’Costa initiated the veneration by garlanding the Bible, a gesture subsequently followed by Ruth Castelino, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Anil D’Sa the Council’s Secretary and Wilfred D’Souza.
Addressing the assembled devotees, Fr. Rohit D’Costa articulated the significance of the event. “The beginning of this Bible Gajhovni in Holy Cross Church is truly a blessing for the parish and for every family gathered here,” he affirmed. “For the next 36 hours, the Word of God will continuously be proclaimed, reminding us that God is always present among His people. The Bible is not merely a book to be kept on a shelf; it is the living Word of God that guides, heals, strengthens, and transforms lives.”
Fr. Rohit D’Costa further encouraged the faithful to cultivate a daily practice of reading the Bible, citing its potential for healing, peace, and forgiveness. “Many people have experienced healing, peace, and forgiveness through the Word of God. Those who listen to God’s Word with faith will surely be blessed. Let every family in this parish participate in this Bible Gajhovni and allow the message of Christ to enter their homes and hearts. After these 36 hours conclude, let your Bibles remain open in your homes so that the Word of God may continue to flow through your families and neighbourhoods.”
He also underscored the importance of translating biblical teachings into practical action. “Reading the Bible alone is not enough; we must practise love, forgiveness, humility, and kindness in our daily lives. When we follow the teachings of Christ, we become witnesses of God’s love in society.”
Fr. Rohit concluded his address with a prayer, expressing hope that the Bible Gajhovni would revitalize the spiritual lives of the faithful and bestow peace, unity, and blessings upon every family within the parish.
The 36-hour Bible Gajhovni is scheduled to conclude with a Holy Mass on May 23 at 4:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, Cordel.
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