Confraternity Sunday at Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail Back

Confraternity Sunday at Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail

The celebratory mass of Confraternity Sunday at Derebail Church began at 4.30 pm on 30th October, 2022. Rev Fr Anthony Serrao, the Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education was the main celebrant. Fr Joseph Martis, Parish Priest and Fr. Gerald Pinto  were the concelebrants. 

Fr Anthony in his homily elaborated on how we Catholics have already been a societal community right from the beginning. He added that God chose Moses to lead His people (His community) out of Egypt, and how God chose his Apostles to tend his church. In line with the reading of the day, he emphasized on how we are all parts of the same body, and we cannot say we are not part of the body.  We have different talents and abilities, but we part of the same mission. 

Father encouraged all to be active at ward meetings and in church activities through the Konkani saying: ‘Hanv boro zalyar, Ganv boro’. In the end as questions for self- introspection Fr Anthony Serrao gave three key take aways: 1. To have a consistent prayer life and the fear of the Lord in our family. 2. Build and maintain a good relationship with the family and 3. Always talk good about each other.

The choir sung beautiful hymns and helped the parishioners to pray along. 

Post mass a grand procession was held. This was an opportunity for all parishioners to show our faith publicly through the Blessed Sacrament. 

The procession was led by the Papal flag carried by Edward Sequeira, Turibul and incense, brass band, altar boys, parishioners, children who received First Holy communion this year strewing flowers, Gurkars carrying Damaskachi Satri, the priests and finally then Blessed Sacrament. The procession began from the entrance of the church towards Konchady Katte, turned back to head towards Kuntikan Junction and returned to the church. Mrs Felcy Lobo read the commentary in Kannada with stories from the Bible as introduction to the hymns. The church choir sang hymns throughout the procession in Kannada and in Konkani. All the parishioners showed their unity by wearing white/ off white clothes, carrying candles, singing hymns during the procession. Several volunteers helped enroute the procession along with help from the Police department. 

The procession was followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Church. The final blessing was then given.

Fr Joseph Martis thanked everyone for their contribution, help and support on this auspicious day. He also mentioned and wished Fr Gerald Pinto on his birthday on behalf of the parishioners. Refreshments were served as parishioners moved out of the church.

The inauguration ceremony  of the new lights installed in the church compound which was done by Corporator Shashidhar Hegde, Parish Priest Fr Joseph Martis, Main celebrant Fr Anthony Serrao and  Fr Gerald Pinto. Corporator Shashidhar Hegde spoke a few words and thanked  the support he received from Fr Austin Peris and parishioners during his Municipal elections and the contribution of the Catholic community to the society especially in the Medical and Educational field.

The Joy Star band, Katipalla played few songs where few parishioners danced along and doubled the joy of the celebrations.

Report by: Kevin Suares
Pictures: Simon Pereira