PANAJI
The Novena to St John the Baptist, patron saint of Pilerne Church, will begin from June 14 and the feast will be celebrated on June 23.The preachers for the Novena are priests born in Pilerne, Fr Tomas Lobo, Fr Maverick Fernandes, Fr Benjamin Victoria and Fr Savio D’Souza.
The themes for the Novena are focused on the social teachings of the Church in light of St John the Baptist and the Pastoral Theme of the Year. The vespers will be held on June 22 at 6 pm.
On the Feast Day (June 23), Masses will be celebrated at 6.30 am and 8 am, while the Mass at 9.30 am will be presided over by Bishop of Sindhudurg Alwyn Barretto.
Bishop Barretto will also declare the 365 Jubilee year open. This year, the Feast of John the Baptist will be celebrated on June 23 as the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is on June 24, the Friday of the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Traditionally, the Comunidade of Pilerne bears the financial expenses of the Feast of John the Baptist. The Liturgy and other spiritual activities are carried by the Pastoral Council along with other church associations.
