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Twenty one couples entered into wedlock in the presence of a large gathering at the mass marriage ceremony organized by St Vincent D Paul Society on Sunday 4 May 2011 at the Rosario Cathedral.

The 40th mass marriage nuptial mass was celebrated by Dr Aloysius D'Souza (Bishop of Mangalore Diocese) and Fr J B Crasta (Parish Priest Rosario Cathedral). In his homily Dr Aloysius said that Marriage was a gift from God and every man and woman should honour it, respect it and carry out the commitment of the institution of marriage. He said Marriage is a sacrament that not only unites the man and woman, but it also unites them with Christ.

Bishop D'Souza also said that Adam and Eve were the beginning of human race and God ordained that every human must live productively in joy. He advised the couples to be understanding, and dedicated towards their partners and love each other. He asked them to share every moment of joy, happiness, and sorrow together. He also said that, the couples were fortunate to tie the matrimonial knot at the altar of this historic Rosario Church. “Thanks to the Church committee this heavenly ceremony binds young hearts in holy matrimony,” he said. Dr Aloysius D'Souza along with 10 other priests administered the vows to 21 couples.

The nuptial mass was followed by a reception at the Rosario School Grounds. The newly wedded couple Vinod and Marina D'Souza lit the traditional lamp on behalf of all the newly wedded couples.

Fr J B Crasta welcomed the guests and the gathering. MLA Mangalore South Constituency J R Lobo was the chief guest. Addressing the gathering Lobo said, "Marriage is a Holy sacrament and it is a gift from God. In every one's life, his/her wedding day is a special day, a person whole heartedly accepts the opposite sex as his own and their dreams and desires become one".

Lobo further said that in a married life there are ups and downs. There will be misunderstandings between husband and wife but the partner should understand the true meaning of marriage. Giving and forgiving will solve all the problems in a married life. Understanding is the key for a successful marriage. He also said that when a person unites in marriage he has many dreams and when his dreams will not come true the person will feel uncomfortable in life and problems will start in his marriage. During this time the partner should understand his/her partner, he/she should support and give hopes thus helping to lead a happy life. Equality also plays a major role in marriage. He urged the couples to treat their spouses equally and wished them a happy and healthy married life.

Lobo also congratulated the SVP members for their yeomen service to the society from past 40 years. More than 1200 guests participated in the celebrations. Apart from the wedding ceremony, each couple was also gifted with dress material and household articles costing Rs 10,000/-.

SVP President Joachim Monteiro handed over the brides to their grooms and SVP member Rita Monteiro accepted the brides on behalf of grooms.

After the customary exchange of rings the couples sought the blessings from the elders. They were later treated to a wedding lunch. Vice Principal St Aloysius College John D'Silva compared the programme. Member SVP Maurice Monteiro delivered the vote of thanks.

(Report by Mangalorean.com)