Mangalore: Renovated chapel of Sacred Heart Monastery inaugurated
Sanchia Nazareth
Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Mar 18: Carmelite sisters of the Sacred Heart Monastery, Kankanady celebrated the blessing and inauguration the renovated chapel building here on Tuesday March 18.
The chapel was inaugurated by bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza and bishop of Gulbarga Dr Robert Miranda with the traditional cutting of the ribbon.
The Eucharist was concelebrated by Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Dr Robert Miranda along with the Carmelite provincial Fr Archibald Gonsalves, Fr James Pius D'Souza, Mangalore diocese chancellor Fr Henry Sequeira, Jeppu Seminary rector Fr Joseph Martis, Father Muller Charitable Institutions director Fr Patrick Rodrigues, and many other priests.
Bishop Dr Aloysius D'Souza began with the blessing of the holy water rendered to the devotees.
During the sermon Fr Gonsalves specified on the feast of St Joseph and said, "St Joseph was a caregiver similar to the cloistered sisters. His life is an example for us. Carmelites adore St Joseph and we must follow his teachings."
He further explained the scriptures and narrated the journey of the Carmelites' arrival in Mangalore with a special mention of Sr Mary of Jesus Crucified.
"The modern world requires more devotion. The holy life led by these sisters is a blessing for the Mangalore diocese. Their life is a joy for us in the form of blessings. We must inculcate the beauty of devotion in our lives," he added.
Fr Pius D'Souza expressed his gratitude to all the priests, nuns, devotees and those who helped build and renovate the chapel. He delivered his thanks on behalf of the cloistered sisters. Gratitude was expressed in particular to Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul for his assistance to the sisters. Special mention was made of architect and contractor Noel Pinto and his son Vinod Pinto. Fr Patrick Rodrigues, the artists, painters, electricians and carpenters, decorators, flower arrangers, Adolf Lobo and choir were appreciated.
As a token of gratitude, blessed candles were gifted to Architect Noel Pinto, artist Arthur Rasquinha, painter David, supervisor William, electrician Patrick D'Souza and carpenter Alex D'Souza.
The bishop also rendered his thanks to the devotees especially those who were awaiting the reopening of the chapel. He welcomed all to continue to pray with devotion.
Refreshments were served sponsored by a benefactor.
About the Chapel
In an exclusive interview to daijiworld prior to the celebration, Sr Marie Celine, the current prioress said, "We are glad that we have so many people who encourage us to do better. We pray for the betterment of people and receiving their grace makes us feel blessed."
The sisters are currently 14 in number and are headed by the prioress, councillors and chapters. The chapters form the governing body and they help the prioress in making major decisions.
Giving a brief history of the chapel, she said it is around 132 years old. The chapel was built by an Italian architect and it was the first Carmel establishment in India.
In 1976, there was a major renovation which involved its roof restoration. Over the years minor roof leakages and the walls were repaired. But for the past couple of years especially due to bad weather, the windows and doors including the wall plastering had been through a lot of wear and tear.
When Sr Celine decided to repair the damage, the biggest problem she faced was finance. She approached the bishop of Mangalore for advice on how to go about it. He immediately assured her of help, but Sr Celine was hesitant. After some persuasion and talks with her fellow sisters she
finally decided to ask for help and the response was overwhelming. They received sufficient financial assistance which helped them in the restoration and renovation of the chapel.
The bishop advised her to contact Noel Pinto, a builder whose expertise came in handy in the building of this chapel. He helped to maintain the gothic architecture of the chapel. The contractors had to extend part of the chapel in order to make it damage-proof.
The sisters said that they missed the devotees during the absence of the regular masses at the chapel which was halted during the one year of repair work.
On a lighter note when asked about their daily duties Sr Celine responded, "You must see us during our recreation time, we behave like children. People think of us as praying and sacrificing our whole life, of course we do, but at the same time we are humans, we make mistakes, we argue but at the end of each day we forgive each other and live together as a family."
The chores at the monastery are divided among the nuns. It is much talked about among the public especially the kinds of vegetables they grow in their garden. Sr Celine gleefully said, "We have 200 coconut trees, we also grow pepper, tomato, spinach, gherkins, lady's-finger and currently we have around 60 bottle gourds growing in our yard."
"We need more youth to join us but they need to believe in the cause. It is a difficult task but with prayer and support of family here we live a satisfactory life," she added.
The sisters do have a connection with the outside world through internet and television. They also have their families visit once a month. Prayer and advice can be received through contact with the chapel sisters who reside outside for help and assistance.
Speaking to daijiworld, architects Noel and Vinod Pinto, the dynamic father and son duo explained the restoration of the chapel. They said that the entire portico was added to the new chapel. The gothic design of the church was maintained. Minute details such as flower designs; the gables of the roof were redone. Doors and windows were reinstalled but the glass paintings were retained.
Artist Arthur Rasquinha said, "The architecture is a beautiful French design. Keeping in mind the solemnity and simplicity of the church we used marble effects and oil colours with a matte finish."
The daily morning mass held at the chapel sees many visitors. A special novena and adoration for Sr Mary of Jesus Crucified followed by mass is held every Wednesday evenings at the chapel at 5 pm.
For further information contact carmelmangalore@gmail.com.