People from different walks of life were seen flocking the place since dawn and continued till late in the evening. Besides the crowd, numerous stalls with varied items were a visual treat, bringing in the festive mood.
During the Eucharistic celebration, Fr Succoro Mendes, who was the main celebrant, reflected on the feast of the Divine Mercy and informed that on the second Sunday of Easter there are three celebrations which include Easter celebration, feast of the Divine Mercy and the feast of Annunciation, which will be celebrated tomorrow by the Universal Church.
Fr Mendes said that God’s divine mercy was revealed when Mary came into existence in her mother’s womb. “It is precisely with that intention in mind Pope Francis opened the doors of Mercy on December 8,” he added.
The preacher also made a mention about the non-Catholic channel, National Geographic, which declared that Mary was the most powerful woman. “Whether we reveal or not,” he said, “Mary knows all our problems. She is concerned of our worries. And she takes a step to find a solution to all our problems.”
Fr Mendes also made a reference to the merciful father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. “You can be merciful by your head, heart and stomach. Mary’s mercy towards her children was from the stomach and that mercy comes from God,” he said.
Elaborating on the same topic, Fr Mendes said that we can be merciful in different ways and on varied occasions. He justified his statement by citing various examples in home, neighbourhood and society. “Nobody is taking the risk of helping others,” he said, “each one is concerned of one’s own family and our Christianity is restricted only to our homes. Let our mercy come out from our home to our neighbours. Unless you take a risk, you cannot show mercy to others.”
Fr Mendes also concealed that one who has never experienced pain, will never know what mercy is and will never be merciful to others. “Jesus of Nazareth learnt mercy from Mary and he showed mercy to others. Let us build a world of mercy by expressing mercy always,” he concluded.
Before returning home, those gathered for the feast at Siridao did not miss the traditional ‘canji’ served in earthen bowls free of cost by the Dempo family. The trend which followed years back continues till date and nobody misses the golden opportunity, which dawns once in a year.
