Udupi: The Annual Parish Feast was celebrated at Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, here on February 4.
The festive mass was celebrated by Fr Ian Figreido (Salesian), Provincial of Goa-Karnataka along with Msgr Baptist Menezes, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, Fr Stany Tauro, Parish Priest of Shirva, priests from the Shirva Deanery and other guest priests.
In his homily Fr Simon Fernandes, Rector of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shirva, highlighted the role of mother in the lives of great men including St Augustine, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Alva Edison. He said that it was due to their mothers that these three men achieved their greatness. Recalling the role of Mother Mary in the life of Jesus, Fr Simon Fernandes said that Mother Mary has been the guardian of the church. Further he said that the centenary celebration of the church that went on in such a smooth and excellent manner was not less than a miracle of Our Lady of Health.
The Vespers was held on 3 February, Fr Antony Serrao, parish priest of St Sebastian Church Bendoor Mangaluru was the chief celebrant. The adoration service was held in a solemn way. After the adoration service, there was a dazzling display of fireworks. Thousands of devotees visited the church.
Prior to the solemn feast mass, Fr Stany Tauro, Parish Priest of Shirva distributed candles of honour to the donors. Fr Stany Tauro delivered the vote of thanks.
