By Ivan D’Costa –
Hirebile: The St. Joseph’s Church, Hirebile in Karnataka’s Chickmangaluru district, celebrated its 80th Foundation Day on Sunday, 30th April 2023, and Monday, 1st May 2023.
On 30th April, on World Vocation Sunday, the parish observed Vocation Day in the parish and the 38th Dedication Day of the Present Church Building. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Machado, Parish Priest, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Kalathipura, offered Mass and prayed for the faithful.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Madtha, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Magundi, preached a meaningful, fitting sermon. In his homily, he called young people not to hesitate to respond to the call of God in their life. He also said the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. So he appealed to the families to offer their sons and daughters to spread the good news.
After the Holy Mass, Fr. David Prakash announced the Sponsors’/Donors’ names. Rev. Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest, St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, blessed the Candles and distributed them to the Festival Donors.
After which, on the occasion of the Vocation Day in the parish, the local vocations who responded to God’s call from Hirebile (The Priests and Religious) were honoured by the Parish Council and Finance Committee Members.
After this, Rev. Fr. Pradeep Cardoza blessed and Decorated St. Joseph’s Car and gave Flag off for the procession. The flower-decorated St. Joseph’s Statue was taken in a car in a Public procession around the church and Hirebile Main Street. Faithful and Devotees participated piously in this procession, singing hymns and praying the Rosary with lit candles.
Rev. Fr. David Prakash accompanied the faithful. The Parish Priest prayed for unity, peace harmony in the Hirebile. He also prayed for all peoples’ good health, prosperity and heavenly blessings on their business, agriculture and plantation.
At the end of the procession, there was benediction with thanks and praise. Rev. Fr. Pradeep Cardoza gave the Eucharistic Blessing.
Soon after this, the Sacred Heart School children, under the guidance of English Medium Headmistress Rev. Sr. Wilma Gonsalves, UFS and her staff support, choreographed a dance which was performed on stage.
The same dance is also presented by Parish Youth, ICYM Yuva Mithra. It was well appreciated by all.
The Jubilee song was composed by Very Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendoca, Rector, Milagres Cathedral, Kalliampur, Udupi Diocese in Konkani and Rev. Fr. Cyril Lobo, Director, Divyavani, Udupi Diocese in Kannada.
The famous Band from Badayar gave the music for this whole programming. In the end, the Jubilee’s meal was served to all the gathered people.
On 1st May, May Day, International Worker’s Day and Feast of St. Joseph, the Worker. It is also the Annual Feast Day of St. Joseph’s Church, Hirebile, at 9.00 a.m. Most Rev. Dr T. Anthony Swamy, Bishop of Chikmagalur Diocese of Chikmagalur, arrived in Hirebile. He is welcomed by Parish Priest Very Rev. David Prakash and Parish Council Secretary. Mr Lancy Carlo, along with Parish Council and Finance Committee members.
The Bishop was taken procession in the open vehicle. As a mark of Asthadashamanathosava, 80 women carried deepa (light) in their hands in the procession. Bishop has welcomed with doopa, deepa and pushpa arathi.
In the church, both the jubilee songs were presented to the Bishop by Sacred Heart School students.
After that, Bishop T. Anthony Swamy offered solemn thanksgiving and High Mass. In this introduction, he thanked the Lord for granting him 80 years. Faith for Hirebile Church. He also called faithful March toward synodality to walk together with the church to build the Kingdom of God. He praised people’s faith which has been going strong for the last 80 years.
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Elias Sequeira, Vicar General of the Diocese of Chikmagalur and the Parish Priest of St. Thomas Church, Tarikere, broke the Word of God. In his homily, he explained the importance of May Day. International Workers’ Day is celebrated all over the world on 1st May. “Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of the Lord Jesus Christ, was a carpenter who supported the holy family through his daily labour. The church presents him as the protector and model to all who earn their and their families livelihood through manual labour. His example is used as an occasion to highlight the concept of work, and the fact that the holy family worked for a living is seen as a point of fellowship with most of the world’s families. May St Joseph the Worker motivate us to recognize the dignity of labour, however big or small, and accord due respect to all those who work in our parishes and institutions. He also said that work is worship by giving the example of St. Joseph, the parish patron.” he added.
More than 30 priests around the diocese concelebrated the Mass. At the end of the Mass, the main celebrant Most Rev. Dr T. Anthony Swamy honoured by Mr Lancy Carlo, Parish Council Secretary and Mr Prakash D’Costa Gurkar from Sunkasale Ward.
Also, the Vicar General and Former Parish Priest Assistant Parish Priests were honoured with Shawls, Garland and St. Joseph’s Picture as mementoes.
At the same time, Bishop released the Parish Telephone Directory “Asthadasha” and a Book on St. Joseph written by Former Vicar General and Senior Priest Very Rev. Fr. George D’Souza, and he was given the First copy.
Bishop also inaugurated the Parish Website www.hirebilechurch.com.
The Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. David Prakash, was also honoured by Bishop with a shawl and garland.
The Parish Priest thanked everyone who had played a significant part in the event. He also thanked the Superior and Community Members of the Sacred Heart Convent Parish Choir members for melodious singing. He also thanked all the support and encouragement of the Parish Finance Committee, Parish Pastoral Council, all the parish’s Donors and Well Wishers and faithful. Nearly 1000 people participated in this Programme.