Bishop Gerald Declares Infant Jesus Church Pilar ‘Independent Parish’, Fr Vishal Lobo First Parish Priest

Bishop Gerald Declares Infant Jesus Church Pilar ‘Independent Parish’, Fr Vishal Lobo First Parish Priest

Udupi: In a historic moment, Fr Vishal Lobo took charge as the first parish priest of Pilar in a ceremony in which the Infant Jesus Church was declared as an Independent parish on June 1.

Scores of parishioners from St Philip Neri Church, Basrur accorded Fr Vishal Lobo to the Infant Jesus Church, Pilar. He was welcomed by the parish priest in-charge of Infant Jesus Church Pilar, Fr Stany Tauro along with the Parish Pastoral Council members, members of Pilar Committee and the people of Pilar to the Infant Jesus Church. A floral welcome was accorded to the first parish priest.

Fr Valerian Mendonca, Parish Priest Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi administered the holy rituals. Fr Stany Tauro handed over the Church documents followed by Parish Pastoral Council Vice President Wilson D’Souza handing over the Church financial documents. Fr Valerian Mendonca then handed over the keys of the Tabernacle.

In a formal programme, Fr Stany Tauro was felicitated for his selfless service and dedication in building the new church. Fr Kiran Nazareth SDB who was the priest in-charge of Infant Jesus Church, Pilar was felicitated for his hard work and dedication towards building the new church.

Fr Stany Tauro in his speech wholeheartedly thanked the service of the people and youth in building the new Church and assured his prayers for the church and the people.

Fr Vishal Lobo said that he would effectively work with the people to strengthen the parish community. He said that he will lead the people towards divine intervention and will also address social issues.

Wilson D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Pilar Committee coordinator Valerian Machado delivered the vote of thanks. Fr Mahesh D’Souza, Principal of Don Bosco English Medium School Shirva, compered the programme.