Hundreds congregate at Cathedral Feast: Archbishop calls for practice of mercy, care for poor
Bengaluru, Dec 04: Over 1000 people gathered at St. Francis Xaviers’ Cathedral to celebrate the parish annual parochial feast of St. Francis Xavier. December 4th. Archbishop Dr. Bernard Moras who celebrated the festal mass at 5pm together with 15 co-ncelebrants exhorted the congregation to “reflect and see why St. Francis Xavier came to India”. “He came to India to share the love of Christ which he himself had experienced and was deeply convinced about. He had a passion for saving souls” the Prelate said urging Catholics to cultivate a passion for bringing people to Christ and live the gospel by our way of life just like St. Francis Xavier did.
Reminding the congregation of the Holy Father Pope Francis’ Apostolic letter ‘Misericordia Miseris’, he said “Though the doors of mercy of the Cathedral were closed symbolically the world over on November 20th, the doors of our hearts should always remain open and flowing with mercy”. He informed the gathering of the Holy Father’s introduction of the ‘World day of the poor’ marked for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary time and urged the Faithful to pay special attention to the needs of the down trodden, the less fortunate and marginalized poor by engaging in greater acts of charity.
In his homily in English, he also drew reference to acclaimed painter of ‘The Last Supper’, Leonardo da Vinci who was unable to paint the face of Jesus because he was full of anger and felt miserable because of thoughts about Judas’ betrayal. It was only when he could breathe forgiveness over his thoughts o Judas was he able to paint the face of Jesus. “We too will never be at peace within ourselves if we carry hatred or anger against someone. So it is important to reconcile and forgive if we want to experience this Peace of Christ”.
Archdiocesan priest Fr.Martin Anil preached a homily in Kannada while NBCLC director Fr. Sagaya John preached in Tamil. The Archbishop was released a themed parish calendar for the year 2017. Parish priest of the Cathedral, Fr. A S Anthony Swamy felicitated the Archbishop and was presented with a portrait of the Archbishop, painted by Archdiocesan priest Fr. Terrence Mathew, parish priest of St. Theresa’s Church, JC Road.
A sacred car carrying the relic and statue of St. Francis Xavier was blessed before the procession began.