Bangalore, December 3, 2022: The feast of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of the Archdiocese of Bangalore was widely celebrated across many parishes with much grandeur and festivities on December 3, 2022.
Festal celebrations at St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral in Cleveland Town highlighted the fervour of the day as Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore and Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras partook in the solem Holy Eucharist along with a number of diocesan and religious priests.
This year, parishioners of the cathedral were thrilled to participate in festal mass celebrated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Jon Vokal, Bishop of the Diocese of Hradec Kralove in Czech Republic. Bishop Jon Vokal of Hradec Kralove diocese, along with others have been sponsoring education of poor children in the Archdiocese of Bangalore through Asha Charitable Trust.
Speaking in his homily, Bishop Vokal dwelt deeply into the readings of the day. Lauding the missionary zeal of St. Francis Xavier, he said "Mission is the vocation of the Church; it's also the mission of every individual Christian... Missionaries and saints are shining examples of courage for us to follow them in their faith."
Archbishop Peter Machado delineated on the life and missionary work of the great St. Francis Xavier, saying that even though St. Francis Xavier spent roughly 10 years in India and Pakistan, God worked wonders through him.
Later, Archbishop Machado warmly welcomed Bishop Vokal and the sponsors of the Asha Charitable Trust from Czech Republic. He expressed his gratitude for their magnanimity and goodwill for generously sponsoring the education of poor children in the Archdiocese of Bangalore.
Rev. Fr. Gabriel Christy, Director of Asha Charitable Trust, applauded the sacrifices of the doners and sponsors for the poor children in the Archdiocese. He said more than 8,000 poor children have availed the benefits of Asha Sponsorship and they have excelled in life.
Addressiing the guests and the gathering, Archbishop Emeritus Bernard Moras said that while helping 8,000 children so far, Asha Trust has also helped as many families; and those families have become closer to God and the Church.
Rev. Fr. John Anthony, Rector and Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral proposed vote of thanks and the event culminated with a group picture.
The solemn Holy Eucharist was live streamed by the Archdiocesan Communication Centre (ACC).
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