Udupi Diocese News

By Avil Dsouza

Nirmalapadav - Parapady , March 24 : Our Lady of Perpetual Succour church here on 24th March 2024, observed Palm Sunday, commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem ahead of his crucifixion and resurrection, marking the beginning of the Holy Week.

The Palm blessing was held, near the grotto before the mass, Devotees with palm leaves participated in the procession, singing hymns and reciting prayers to commemorate Christ’s passion and death. After the procession, a solemn Mass was celebrated in remembrance of the passion of Christ by Rev Fr. Vijay Machado, Director, Mangala Jyothi Mangalore diocese and concelebrated by Rev.Fr Denis Dsouza, Parish priest.

Fr Vijay Machado explained the importance of the Holy week that began with the solemn entry of Jesus to Jerusalem. He said, “Holy week is a time to meditate on the Paschal mystery of Jesus. It’s the time to reflect on the passion of Jesus Christ through the Stations of the Cross with an intention to follow Jesus and to witness Jesus as the mission of every Christian.

Subsequently, soon after the mass, a Lenten charismatic retreat was arranged for all the parishioners till 3:30 pm.

Rev Fr Vijay Machado led the retreat and was the main preacher, who helped the devotees to understand the word of Lord and to live according to it. Prayer, repentance and almsgiving are what everyone has to focus on during Lent. The retreat was very useful to understand one's self.

Parish priest Fr Denis Dsouza thanked Fr Vijay Machado for his time and for helping the parishioners in conducting retreat and to prepare them for the holy week.

Food was arranged for all after the retreat.