Karkala: The platinum jubilee celebration s of St Dominic’s Church, Miyar, Karkala was held here, on Wednesday, December 9.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, concelebrated the solemn jubilee mass along with the Dean of Karkala Deanery – Fr Joshwy Fernandes, Rector of St Lawrence Shrine – Fr George D’Souza, parish priest of Miyar Church – Fr Jerome Montiero and other priests.
After the Eucharistic Mass, the bishop along with ex MLA of Karkala, Gopal Bhandary inaugurated the renovated parish hall, following which, the bishop blessed the hall.
Later, there was a brief felicitation programme that began with a welcome dance. Fr Jerome Montiero welcomed the gathering.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, state Urban Development minister and district minister in-charge, inaugurated the felicitation programme by lighting the lamp.
In his message, Vinay Kumar Sorake hailed the contribution of the Christian institutions in the field of education, health and social services, and appealed for the continuation of their work for the overall development of the society. “The Siddaramaiah government has introduced pro-Christian programmes in the past two years. In his first year, CM earmarked 100 crore rupees for the development of Christian churches, halls and other religious centers. In the recent budget, CM Siddaramaiah increased the funds for the State Christian Development Board; it will help the development of the Christian community across the state.” He also assured funds for the development of Miyar Church activities.
Vinup D’Silva read out the development of the parish during the past 75 years. The vice president, former parish priests, assistant priests and nuns of the parish who are serving around the world and donors were honoured by the bishop by presenting them with a shawl, garland and memento.
The bishop also released the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir “Mayamog” on the occasion. Fredrick Rodrigues handed over the Education fund cheque of Rs 6 lakhs to praish priest Jerome Monteiro. The keys of the new house which was built by the church for a poor family was handed over to Baptist D’Souza on the occasion.
Fr Joshwy Fernandes and Gopal Bhandary, who were the chief guests of the function, extended their best wishes to the parishioners for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
In his presidential address, Dr Gerald complimented the priests and people of Miyar. The entire parish should act like one family and live in unity and harmony. If there is unity, there will be strength. The bishop highlighted that a jubilee is made of five main elements: Remembrance (Smarane), Tribute (Santhapa), Compromise (Sandhana), Showing the path (Sanmarga) and finally the celebration (Sambhrama). Remembering the past history of the parish, repenting for the shortcomings and weaknesses, forgiving and living with each other as one family, following the path of truth and justice and celebrating the achievements of the past 75 years – jubilees help in renewing the bond between God and human beings and the bond among family and community members, he added.
Nirmala, president of Miyar Gram Panchayat; Fredrick Rodrigues – Donor of the church, Fr Jerome Monteiro, Fr Pascal Menezes – parish priest of St Theresa Church Kera; Gerald D’Silva – vice-president of parish pastoral council; Rayan Mendonca – secretary of parish pastoral council and others were present.
Nice to see photos of platinum jublilee of our church