Mangaluru: Centenary Celebrations of Rosario Cathedral Conclude on a note of Faith and Unity

Mangaluru: The concluding ceremony of the centenary celebrations of the Rosario Cathedral was held at its premises here, on April 12.

Prior to the stage programme, a thanksgiving mass was held at the Rosario Cathedral. Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese, Dr Aloysius D’Souza, was the main celebrant.

The stage programme began with an invocation. The Parish Priest of Rosario Cathedral, Fr J B Crasta, welcomed the gathering.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop of Beltangady Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy said, “The word ‘Cathedral’ originated from the Latin word ‘Cathedra’. Cathedra has many meanings such as seat, chair, and sanctuary. It is the seat of the President of the Diocese, who is the Bishop. The church where the Bishop’s cathedra/seat is situated is called Cathedral Church. The Mangaluru Catholic Diocesan Bishop’s seat is at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral, Bolar. In the year 1568, the original church was built here. This is the first church of the Diocese of Mangaluru. The present church building was built in the year 1915.” He congratulated the parish priest, assistant parish priests and the parishioners on completing hundred years.

The Centenary Souvenir was released by the Vicar General of Mangaluru Diocese Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Denis Moras Prabhu narrated the entire story of the cathedral since its inception. He also said that Rosario Cathedral is a mother church to all the other parishes in the Mangaluru Diocese and the Bishop is the head of the diocese. “Jesuit priests have contributed a lot to Rosario Cathedral. In 1915, under the guidance of Father Henry Buzzoni and the able leadership of brother Divo, the present church was constructed.” He also congratulated the parishioners on the occasion.

Bishop Aloysius felicitated Fr J B Crasta on behalf of the parishioners. Bishop Aloysius was also felicitated on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Aloysius said that the Rosario Church occupies an important place in the Diocese of Mangaluru. In the traditions of Canara Christians, it is revered as a motherly church. Kannada Karavali Catholics call the patroness of this church as ‘Ruzar Mai’ who has become an inseparable part in their life, literature, culture and faith.

He further said that in this modern world, children are attracted towards modern technology. “Sometimes they may take the wrong path. At that time, it is the duty of the parents to guide them. Parents should teach their children moral values and try to increase their faith through family prayers. All the parishioners have worked hard to celebrate the centenary. Let unity continue and faith grow.”

Media representatives were felicitated by the bishop with a shawl, memento and flowers on the occasion. A cultural programme was held by the parishioners.

Secretary PPP John D’Silva delivered the vote of thanks. Bishop of Bareilly Dr Ignatius D’Souza, MLA J R Lobo,  Rector St Aloysius Institutions Denzil Lobo, Superior General Sr Doreen D’Souza,   Fr Denzil Lobo Vice President PPP Dolphy D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest Fr Amit Rodrigues and Advocate M P Noronha were also present.