Udupi: Centenary celebrations of Shirva Church off to a grand start
Wilson Shirva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Feb 3: The centenary celebrations of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, got off to a grand start at the Church premises here on Sunday February 2.
The inaugural was held under the leadership of Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi and Vinay Kumar Sorake, urban development minister in the presence of several other guests.
Addressing the gathering, Sorake wished the Church and the parish on attaining an important milestone and assured all support from the government in the development of Shirva.
"The state government is ready to support development works in Shirva. It will also assist development in the field of education. There are also plans to upgrade Shirva to a mandal panchayat," he said.
Vicar general of Udupi diocese Msgr Baptist Menezes recalled his association with Shirva and said, "I was born and educated in Shirva. I have always been here. Shirva Church was the first to be established in Udupi, after which other churches followed." He congratulated the parishioners on the occasion.
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, "This occasion is special not only for Shirva Church but also for St Mary's School here. People from all over have to Shirva, obtained education and succeed in various fields."
Sorake inaugurated the programme schedule of the centenary celebrations while Msgr Baptist Menezes unveiled the centenary logo.
The celebration was followed by Mass at 4 pm, led by bishop Dr Gerald Lobo.
A colourful procession passing through Shirva and culminating at the Church premises was one of the highlights of the event. Prior to the ceremony, minister Sorake was welcomed at the entrance of the Church.
Vice-president of Shirva parish council Wilson D'Souza welcomed the gathering while secretary William Machado proposed the vote of thanks. Denis Mathias compered the event.
Around 2,000 people took part in the celebrations.
Fr Stany Tauro, parish priest, Shirva, Fr Henry Vaz, assistant parish priest, Fr Avil D’Cunha, assistant parish priest, Fr Maxim D'Souza, rector, Don Bosco Youth Center, vice-president of Shirva panchayat Shalet D’Souza, president of Pilar, Mudarangadi panchayat David D’Souza and president of Kalathur, Kuthyar panchayat Pupa Acharya were present.