Priests in the Archdiocese join Archbishop for Pre-Christmas Adoration
Bengaluru, Dec 21: At least 130 priests from the Archdiocese and religious priests working in the Archdiocese joined the Archbishop for a pre-Christmas adoration service followed by a cultural event and a fellowship meal at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on December 20that 10 am.
The annual pre-Christmas event was marked by prayer and thanksgiving to God for His blessings upon the Archdiocese. Fr. Jude Santosh shared his message with the gathering during the adoration service.
Children from St. Rocks School in the campus entertained the gathering at the parish Community hall with a Tableau and carols. The Archbishop cut the Christmas cake and wished all the priests for Christmas. In his message, he said “Christ came that we may be reconciled with God. Christmas is a season of reconciliation. When there is reconciliation there is always Joy. I wish each of you the joy of Christmas”.
Vicar General Monsignor C Francis sprang a surprise informing the gathering that the Archbishop is offering to sponsor a pilgrimage and pastoral exposure to Europe or UK. (It may be recalled that the Archbishop had earlier part-sponsored a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and also a pilgrimage to Europe). Monsignor Francis said “Every year we get a gift from the Archbishop. This year we are going to get a very big gift. The Archbishop is offering all priests of our Archdiocese a pilgrimage to Europe or the UK and will financially sponsor part of the pilgrimage for those willing to travel”. The gathering instantly applauded the Archbishop’s kindness with clapping.
Another important highlight of the day’s event was the flagging-off of a mobile hoarding launched every year under the initiative of the Bangalore Archdiocesan Communication Centre (ACC). The Archbishop while applauding the initiative of the ACC blessed the vehicle and launched the mission after Vicar General of the Archdiocese and Director of ACC Monsignor S. Jayanathan explained the concept and purpose of the mission. The blessing took place in the presence of priests and several laity gathered at the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral groinds.The mobile unit carries a hoarding with the message of ‘love joy and peace’ to various points in the city.
The program ended with a sumptuous fellowship meal.