Media Release

Kasaragod, May 15: The valedictory ceremony of the silver jubilee celebrations of St Thomas Church Kollangana was held in grandeur on Monday May 15 in its premises.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus, Mangaluru Diocese inaugurated the newly built arc of the church and blessed it. He was the main celebrant for the Eucharistic celebrations. Msgr Maxim L. Noronha, vicar general of Mangalore diocese, Fr Rithesh Rodrigues, parish priest, and many other priests concelebrated the Eucharist.

Fr Vincent D’Souza, director CODP preached the homily. In his homily, he said, church is the community of the faithful which brings us together as one family here on earth first and later in the heavenly Jerusalem. In the past twenty five years, this parish has helped us to come together as one family and be united in faith. Inspired by the witness of St Thomas, we are called to give same witness to Jesus like he did.

The eucharistic celebration was followed by the felicitation programme. The programme began with a prayer dance. Eugene Ravi Kumar, the coordinator of the jubilee committee, welcomed the gathering. On this occasion, all the former parish priests were honoured for their great service in building up this parish. On this occasion all the ward gurkars were honoured for their generous service to the parish community. Bishop Emeritus Aloysius Paul D’souza who was celebrating his anniversary of episcopal ordination was honoured and greeted.

Fr Rithesh Rodrigues, the parish priest was honoured for organising the jubilee in a beautiful manner. Bishop Emeritus in his address appreciated the parish community and for the growth it has seen for the last twenty five years. He also encouraged to grow in all the spheres in the coming years. Fr Rithesh Rodrigues thanked everyone for the service rendered and making this program a grand success.