Udupi: To mark the third anniversary of the Establishment and Installation of the first Bishop of the Diocese, the diocese is all set to lay the foundation stones for three major and urgently required projects – the Pastoral Centre, Home for Retired Priests and the Minor Seminary – on October 15, said Msgr. Dr Baptist Menezes, Vicar General of the diocese.
The Vicar General was speaking at a press meet held at the Bishop’s House on Monday, October 12. He said that Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the first Bishop of Udupi, will bless the foundation stones of these projects. Vinay Kumar Sorake, Minister for Urban Development, Govt. of Karnataka and District Minister In-charge, and Pramod Madhwaraj, MLA of Udupi will be present as Chief Guests. Also present will be priests and the religious of the diocese, members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, vice presidents and secretaries of all the Parish Pastoral Councils of Udupi Diocese.
The Pastoral Center will cater to the pastoral needs of the people of the Diocese of Udupi. The Centre will accommodate 18 Commissions of the diocese (like, the Commissions for Youth, Family, Women, Justice and Peace, Education, Health, Inter-religious Dialogue, etc) which are directly involved in the pastoral care of the people of all age groups, through seminars, symposiums and workshops. All 18 commissions will have their offices in the centre. Besides, the centre will have two auditoriums and other related facilities required for seminars and other training programmes.
Diocesan priests who having rendered selfless and dedicated ministry and service throughout their priestly life deserve a home without any anxiety, fear or worries to spend their retired life. It is an obligation on the part of the Bishop to provide them with a home so that the priests live in peace having been provided with basic needs and necessities. This project would accommodate 25 retired priests.
In order to carry forward the pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Udupi, a minor seminary is needed to train young men opting for priesthood. This place will invite aspirants for priestly life to come and see whether they could give themselves totally to the service of God and fellow human beings. Youngsters who stay here will also do their pre-university course. This place will accommodate around 25 students opting for priesthood.
The Blessing Ceremony will take place at 10 am on 15 October, 2015 in the diocesan land near Kinnimulky, he said.
Fr Denis D’Sa PRO of the diocese, Fr Lawrence D’Souza Secretary of Catholic Education Society Udupi were present in the press meet.
We have heard so much about the newly formed Udupi Diocese and the energetic Bishop Gerald Lobo. He along with his team has created a energetic and congenial atmosphere of Brotherhood. His concern about the spiritual well being of his Flock (FAMILIES) has been well appreciated. I am seeing the similarity of CHANGE brought in by our Pope Francis and Bishop Gerald Lobo in their respective domain. Hopefully the change sustains for the betterment of their flock or Families. God give them strength.