Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)

Mangalore, Mar 30: The post-centenary golden jubilee celebrations of Immaculate Conception Church, Urwa were inaugurated at the Church ground here on Sunday March 30.

The first programme of the jubilee year was open air retreat. The retreat was preached by  renowned preacher from North India Fr Anil Dev, who is the director of Matri Dham Ashram, Varanasi.

The charismatic open air retreat started at 4:30 pm and went on until 8:30 pm with preaching, concelebrated mass, praising and worshipping followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The retreat gave a new direction and inspired the faithful to change for the better and be progressive in life, and also included a holy mass celebrated by Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangalore diocese.

Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza blessed the foundation stone for the new belfry, unveiled the jubilee year logo, released the post centenary golden jubilee calendar and dedicated the special jubilee family prayer. Fr Victor D'Mello, parish priest of Urwa Church distributed the family prayer to the devotees.

Bishop Dr Aloysius congratulated Fr Victor D'Mello and the parishioners on the completion of 150 years.

"Parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church should be proud of themselves and with the retreat you have all been blessed by God. We have to build a strong and friendly relationship with everyone, and forgive and forget other's mistakes."

Around 3,000 witnessed the celebrations.

Fr Jeevan Sequeira, Fr Frank Rodrigues, Fr Benjamin Lobo, Fr Andrew D'Souza, Jeneview Mathias, Hilary D'Souza and others were also present.