Bishop Gerald blesses renovated St Peter’s Church Pethri

Bishop Gerald blesses renovated St Peter’s Church Pethri

Udupi: The Renovated St Peter’s Church Pethri was inaugurated and blessed by Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo, on Tuesday, December 20.

Delia Vincent D’Almeda inaugurated the renovated Church by cutting the ribbon and Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo opened the main door of the church.

Later the Bishop concelebrated the Eucharistic mass with Fr Stany B Lobo (Dean Kallianpur Deanery), Fr Canute Barboza (Parish Priest of Pethri Church) Fr Joseph Cardoza (Councillor, St Joseph Engineering College Mangaluru), Fr Valerian Frank (Former priest of the Church) and Fr Antony Vaz (Parish Priest of Brahmavar).

In his homily, Dr Gerald Lobo said that in Indian culture, places of worship have a distinct place. The Bishop highlighted the importance of the church. He also highlighted the purification of the temple by Jesus by chasing out the animal and bird sellers as well as other vendors from the temple in Jerusalem. The Bishop stressed on the significance of the church and pointed out how it is very closely associated with the lives of the faithful.

After the Eucharistic Celebrations, a public felicitation and Honouring programme was held in the Church portico. Fr Canute Barboza (Parish Priest of Pethri Church) welcomed the gathering.

Vincent Almeida secretary parish pastoral council who gave selfless service for the church construction work was honoured by the Bishop.

In his presidential speech, Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo complemented the parish priest and people of Pethri for their efforts in erecting such a beautiful church building within a short period of time. He said that the people of Pethri have poured their love, sacrifice and labour into the construction of the church building. It was their dream which has become a reality.

As a mark of appreciation for the leadership and guidance that has been provided by the parish priest Fr Canute Barboza, the Bishop offered him a shawl with great humility and gratitude.

Vincent Almeida secretary parish pastoral council read out the parish report, while Geneview D’Souza vice president of the Church delivered the vote of thanks.