Moodubelle St Lawrence Community Hall-Souharda Soudha Dedicated to the People
Udupi: History was written in the annals of Moodubelle as the beautifully constructed magnificent Community Hall-Souharda Soudha was inaugurated, blessed and dedicated to the people jointly by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese and Most Rev. Dr Albert D’Souza, Archbishop of Archdiocese of Agra and native of Moodubelle in the presence of a large number of priests, religious, parishioners and the villagers of Mooddubelle on Sunday, 2 December 2018.
The inauguration and blessing of the Community Hall was preceded by solemn thanksgiving mass offered by Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Archbishop Albert D’Souza along with Fr Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Moodubelle and other priests.
Delivering the homily, Fr Valerian Mendonca reminded the people about the beginning of the period of Advent in preparation for the Christmas. Giving a number of examples, Fr Valerian impressed upon the faithful the need to prepare oneself for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Soon after the mass, people assembled in front of the newly constructed Community Hall. Archbishop Albert D’Souza inaugurated the Community Hall by cutting the ribbon tied across the main door at the entrance to the hall. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo unveiled the granite slab that included the date of the laying of the foundation stone by Fr Valerian D’Souza and the inauguration and blessing of the Community Hall by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo.
Bishop Gerald Lobo conducted the prayer service and thereafter both Bishop Gerald Lobo and Archbishop Albert D’Souza blessed the hall. Meanwhile, people entered the hall and occupied the allotted seats.
The felicitation function commenced with the prayer dance by the students of St Lawrence English Medium High School, Moodubelle.
The dignitaries were escorted to the dais by Fr Clement Mascarenhas and Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest. The dignitaries included Archbishop Albert D’Souza who presided over the felicitation function, Bishop Gerald Lobo, Rev. Msgr. Baptist Menezes-Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, Fr Valerian Mendonca-Dean of Udupi Deanery, Fr Clement Mascarenhas, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, William Aranha- Donor and Philanthropist from Qatar, Ronald Sabi D’Souza- Donor and Philanthropist from Dubai, Wilfred Menezes-Donor and Philanthropist from Dubai, Vincent Fernandes-Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council and Latha D’Mello-Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council.
Following the welcome address by Fr Clement Mascarenhas, the donors and philanthropists-William Aranha, Ronald Sabi D’Souza and Wilfred Menezes were honoured by Archbishop Albert D’Souza, Bishop Gerald Lobo and the dignitaries on the dais. They were introduced to the audience by Sara D’Souza and Justine Mendonca.
After receiving the honour, in their brief message all the three complimented Fr Clement Mascarenhas and all the parishioners for having such a magnificent Community Hall comparable to international standards. They expressed happiness that they were associated with the project which was the need of the people, an auditorium with modern facilities and amenities.
Elias D’Souza, the Project Engineer was felicitated on this occasion for his vision, planning and execution of the entire project within the stipulated time with superb skill and professional touch. He was felicitated by Archbishop Albert D’Souza, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo and Fr Clement Mascarenhas. Elias D’Souza was introduced by Dr Judith Lobo.
As the chief guest of the function, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, in his speech said that the parishioners of Moodubelle under the leadership of Fr Clement Mascarenhas have thought of a project that would last for a long period to come. He further said that this Community Hall could be considered as the best one in the entire Udupi Diocese and gave full credit to Fr Clement Mascarenhas, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Parish Pastoral Council all the parishioners and the Project Engineer Elias D’Souza.
As a token of appreciation on behalf of the diocese, Bishop Gerald Lobo honoured Fr Clement Mascarenhas by offering him a shawl and flower bouquet.
Donors from 2.5 lakh to 10 lakh rupees were felicitated by Fr Valerian Mendonca and Ranjani Hegde-President of Belle Grama Panchayat.
Next, Fr Clement Mascarenhas and Fr Lawrence Cutinha were honoured for their service to the parish in general and for their leadership in the construction of the Community Hall by Archbishop Albert D’Souza and Bishop Gerald Lobo respectively. Henry Fernandes read the citation in honour of both Fr Lawrence and Fr Clement.
Fr Clement Mascarenhas felicitated John Rebello who installed Air-conditioning to the Community Hall, Alphonse Alva for electrical work and Cyprian D’Souza for the woodwork.
All those donors who had contributed Rupees one lakh and above were honoured by Fr Clement Mascarenhas and Fr Lawrence Cutinha by offering them mementos and flower bouquets.
In his presidential address, Archbishop Albert D’Souza narrated his experience as a student right from higher primary to secondary school in Moodubelle. He said that ‘Belle’ which means beautiful in English language has made great progress in every respect, especially in terms of education and socio-economic life. The construction of the Community Hall has indeed marked the zenith of the growth of Moodubelle and appreciated the planning, designing and construction of such an elegant and superb hall that could be considered as the best in Udupi District.
Archbishop Albert D’Souza released the parish magazine ‘Suvaad’ on this occasion.
Fr Clement Mascarenhas presented mementos to all the dignitaries on the dais.
Fr Lawrence Cutinha delivered the vote of thanks.
Maria Barboza-Headmistress of St Lawrence English medium High School and Ancita D’Souza compeered the programme.
The Thanksgiving Mass and the inaugural function was attended by Fr Denis D’Sa-Parish Priest of Shirva and Dean of Shirva Deanery, Fr Fred Mascarenhas-Parish Priest of Padukone and brother of Fr Clement Mascarenhas, Fr Valerian D’Souza-former Parish Priest of Moodubelle, Fr Frederick D’Souza-Parish Priest of Manipal, Fr Mahesh D’Souza-Principal of Don Bosco CBSE High School, Shirva, Fr Prakash Lobo (OFM Cap) and other priests.
Msgr. Baptist Menezes recited grace before meals.
