February 11: Shirva parishioners celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes with great devotion. The celebration started with Rosary at IRMIZ Church (Our Lady of Dolours) followed by mass. Rev. Dr. Praveen Leo Lasrado (Professor, St. Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru) was the chief celebrant. Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Lewis (Parish Priest, Mudarangadi), Rev. Fr. Anand Noronha (Rector, St. Don Bosco, Kelmbet), V. Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa (Parish Priest, Shirva), Rev. Fr. Mahesh D’Souza (Asst. Parish, Shirva), Rev. Fr. Ashwin Aranha (Asst. Parish, Shirva) and Deacon Noel Mascarenhas were present during the celebration.

After mass, the candle light procession was held from IRMIZ Church to Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva through the Shirva main town. Around 1500 people participated in this procession with devotion. There was a tableau depicting the scene from the apparition of Mother Mary to Bernadette. The whole proceedings were organised in front of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Fr. Praveen Leo Lasrado in his sermon highlighted the importance of Mother Mary in our family and why do we worship her. The celebration was concluded with the words of gratitude by V. Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa.

Pics by Grynal Shirva & Awesome Creations