The annual feast of Our Lady of Dolours Irmiz Chapel was celebrated with great devotion and solemnity on 22nd and 23rd April 2025.

On 22nd April, the Vespers were held in preparation for the feast. The main celebrant for the Vespers was Fr. Nelson Peris from St Anthony Ashram, who led the prayer service and delivered a reflection on the intercession of Mother Mary and the importance of deepening one’s faith.

The festive Eucharistic celebration was held on 23rd April. The main celebrant for the feast Mass was Fr. Kiran Nazareth, Rector of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shirva. He was joined by V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, Rev. Fr. Ronson Pinto, and Rev. Fr. Anil Rodrigues.

A large number of faithful gathered for both days to honor Our Lady of Dolours and to seek her blessings. The celebrations concluded soft drink for all the devotees. The ICYM members set up a games stall for fun and entertainment.

The Holy Saturday Easter Vigil was celebrated with great solemnity and joy, marking the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of light over darkness.

The main celebrant for the liturgy was Rev. Fr. Ronald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore. He was joined by V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, Rev. Fr. Ronson Pinto, and Rev. Fr. Anil Rodrigues.

The celebration began with the blessing of the new fire and the Paschal Candle, followed by the proclamation of the Exsultet. The Liturgy of the Word recalled the history of salvation, culminating in the joyous announcement of the Resurrection.

Rev. Fr. Ronald Serrao delivered a meaningful homily, inviting the faithful to embrace the hope and new life that Easter brings. The celebration continued with the blessing of baptismal water, renewal of baptismal promises, and the solemn Eucharistic celebration.

A large number of parishioners participated in the vigil with devotion, rejoicing in the Risen Lord.

The solemn liturgy of Good Friday was observed with profound devotion, commemorating the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The service began with the Way of the Cross in the morning at St Mary’s Grounds, and mass in the evening led by V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, and Rev. Fr. Ronson Pinto. The main celebrant for the liturgy was Rev. Fr. Anil Rodrigues, who presided over the Reading of the Passion and the Veneration of the Cross.

A large gathering of the faithful participated prayerfully in the Good Friday rites, reflecting on the sacrifice of Christ for the salvation of humanity. The liturgy concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion and a time of silent prayer.

The Maundy Thursday liturgy was celebrated with great devotion, marking the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples.

V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, along with Rev. Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, Rev. Fr. Ronson Pinto, and Rev. Fr. Anil Rodrigues, led the solemn Eucharistic celebration. The rite of the Washing of the Feet was performed, symbolizing humility and service, reminding the faithful of Christ’s commandment of love and selfless service to others.

A large number of parishioners participated prayerfully in the Holy Mass and the adoration at the Altar of Repose that followed. The celebration concluded with silent adoration, inviting all to reflect on the Passion of Christ.

April 13, 2025: The faithful of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, gathered in large numbers to commemorate Palm Sunday, marking the solemn beginning of Holy Week in the Christian calendar.

The celebration began with the blessing of palms near Msgr. Hilary Rangamantap, where the congregation assembled with palm fronds in hand, symbolizing the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Following the blessing, a reverent procession took place to the church premises, reflecting the spirit of unity and devotion among the parishioners.

The Holy Eucharistic Celebration was solemnly led by the main celebrant, V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church. He was joined at the altar by Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, Fr. Ronson Pinto, and Fr. Anil Rodrigues, who concelebrated the Mass with deep spiritual fervor.

In his homily, Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza reflected on the significance of Palm Sunday and invited the faithful to journey through the Holy Week with prayerful hearts, recalling the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Palm Sunday at Shirva Church was a meaningful spiritual experience for all, setting the tone for the holy days to follow.