Udupi: Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi, blessed the foundation stone of the Infant Jesus Church, Pilar here on November 8.
Fr Stany Tauro, parish priest Our Lady of Health Church Shirva, in his address said that the blessing of the foundation stone of Infant Jesus Church Pilar is a historical moment. “The people of Pilar were eagerly waiting for the establishment of a church and the first step towards achieving this has been initiated. The people of Pilar along with the donors, finance committee members and many others have joined their hands for the establishment of the church. The role of the Salesian community is also remarkable in leading the people of Pilar in devotion and faith. In the days to come the Church should grow and flourish and spread the word of our lord Jesus Christ to many,” he said, adding, “I pray to the Lord that the church may soon become a shrine to serve the divine needs of the people.”
Fr Simao Fernandes SDB, priest in-charge of Infant Jesus Chapel Pilar; Fr Anil Castelino, Campus Administrator of St Mary’s and Don Bosco Educational Institutions Shirva; Fr Joel D’Souza SDB, administrator of Don Bosco Youth Centre Shirva; deacon Kiran Nazareth SDB, Fr Mark Mathias SVD; Wilson D’Souza, vice-president of Parish Pastoral Council; William Machado, secretary of Parish Pastoral Council; David D’Souza, president of Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat; Lilly D’Souza, member of Taluk Panchayat; Gilbert Mathias, member of Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat; Norbert Machado, Irwin D’Souza, Melwyn Aranha, Advocate Wilson D’Souza, Precilla Mathias and others were present.
Valerian Machado, convenor of Infant Jesus Chapel Committee, delivered the vote of thanks. Ida D’Souza compered the programme.
Prior to the programme, the Bishop celebrated mass in Infant Jesus Chapel, Pilar.