To mark the seventh anniversary of the Pontificate of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI a solemn Holy Mass was organised at the Apostolic Nunciature in Delhi at 11 am.

Card. Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration. Concelebrating with him was Msgr. Salvatore Pennacchio, Nuncio in India and other Church dignitaries and several priests. The chapel was full to its capacity and the choir was truly heavenly.

Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, Nuncio in India invited representatives of the Churches in India, Bishops of the region and other representatives of Church bodies to commemorate the event. It was truly an expression of the unity of the Church under the leadership of the Pope, the Vicar of Christ.

Card. Gracias in his homily said to those present, “This momentous occasion gives us the happy opportunity to put into perspective, Pope Benedict XVI papacy and his message.

The Indian Church is much enthused by the New Evangelization, which seeks a resurgence of faith in regions where faith is threatened by secularism. For this we place at the Service of the Universal Church presence of Indian missionaries in 166 countries around the world. And this is our gift to the Holy Father for the New Evangelization.

Promoting the correct understanding of Vatican II as embodied in the Catechism is another key element of the Pope’s program in the Year of Faith.”

The function concluded with a fellowship lunch.

That same evening was set aside for a fellowship function for the Diplomatic Corps in Delhi who were also entertained by the St. Cecilia’s Choir and Orchestra.

While on 20th evening all religious were invited to a Concert of an hour and a half in honour of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. The chief guest was Card. Telesporo Toppo of Ranchi who delivered a spontanteous message at the end of the performance, after first expressing his thanks to the musicians and organizers.

The artists of the St. Cecilia’s Choir and Orchestra were the students of Rachol Seminary, directed by Fr. Romeo Monteiro who came all the way from Goa. Those present were enthralled by the music and melodious singing. It included the Gregorian chant and the polyphonic music. Liturgical or sacred music as art, in its own way serves and honours God. The evening concluded with a fellowship tea.

Source: CRI, Sr. Claudette Miranda DSP

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