Udupi: The inauguration and blessing of the new Sacred Heart Church in Yermal Uchila was held on Thursday, May 14.
Prior the Eucharistic Mass, the newly-built church was inaugurated by Dr Antony Fernandes, the Emeritus Bishop of Bareilly Diocese by opening the main door and blessing.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of Udupi Diocese, con-celebrated the solemn inaugural thanksgiving mass along with Dr Salvador Lobo (Bishop of Baruipur), Msgr Baptist Menezes (Vicar General) and Fr Lawrence Rodrigues (parish priest of Sacred Heart Church Uchila).
In his homily, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo highlighted the importance of the church. “The church is a place for worship and not attraction. We should build our society in such a way as to become a model to others. The entire parish should act like one family and live in unity and harmony. If there is unity, there will be strength,” he added.
There was a brief felicitation programme after the mass. Sharlet Furtado, the Vice President of the Church, welcomed the gathering. Bishop Gerald, Salvadore Lobo and Dr Antony Fernandes felicitated Contractor Robert Noronha, Engineer Ramachandra, the sponsors, donors, Rev Fr. Thomas Roshan D’Souza of Hirgan, Sr. Marian D’Sa of Bethany Convent and Sr. Glany Zeena D’Souza of Apostolic Carmelite priests and religious from the parish and Fr. Vishal Lobo former parish priest who served at Yermal Parish. Fr Denis D’Sa (PRO and parish priest of Kuntal Nagar Church) and Fr Leslie D’Souza (parish priest of Shankarpura Church) who were celebrating their Silver Jubilee of Ordination were also felicitated. Fr Lawrence Rodrigues was honoured with a shawl, golden cross, fruits and garland by the Parish Pastoral Council for his leadership.
In his message, Vinay Kumar Sorake (district minister in-charge and state Urban Development Minister) said that Christians have played a prominent role in the development of the nation by promoting quality education. Their role in the twin districts of promoting education and health care needs to be appreciated. The minister appreciated the efforts of Yermal parish priest Fr Lawrence Rodrigues and the parishioners of Yermal parish and wished all the best for the future.
Lalaji R Mendon (former MLA from Kaup); Vedamoorthy; K V Raghavendra Upadhya (Archaka of Sri Mahalaxmi Temple Uchila) and other guests present hailed the contribution of the Christian institutions in the field of education, health and social service, and also extended their best wishes.
In his presidential remark, Bishop Gerald Lobo praised the leadership of the parish priest and the hard work of all the people who were involved in the church building project and he implored God’s blessings on all the people present.
As a mark of appreciation for the leadership and guidance that has been provided by the parish priest of Yermal Fr Lawrence Rodrigues, Bishop Gerald Lobo offered him a shawl with great humility and gratitude.
Msgr Baptist Menezes (Vicar General of Udupi Diocese), Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas (Dean of Udupi Deanery), Sudhakar Karkera (General Secretary of DK Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha Uchila) were also present.
Vinay Quadros, the Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council, delivered the vote of thanks. Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi diocese, compered the programme.
Thank you so much for the beautiful coverage of the inaugural function.
Congrats to Fr. Rodrigues and the parisheners.
Thomas D’Mello
Piusnagar