Steevan Colaco
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, May 22: The foundation laying ceremony for the new building of St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, one of the oldest churches in the twin dioceses of Udupi and Mangalore, was held here on Thursday May 22.

The Mass was led by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese, after which he laid the foundation stone.

Udyavar Church, established in 1863, celebrated its 150 years in 2013. There are more than 540 families belonging to this parish. As the space in the church was not enough to accomodate all the parishioners, the members of the church committe decided to construct a new building. Two schools - in English and Kannada mediums - are run by the church.

During the stage programme on Thursday, Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes released the parish bulletin and launched the church website.

Addressing the gathering, he said, "My ancestors basically belonged to Udyavar, and I also found my daughter-in-law from here. I would like to involve myself more with Udyavar church and I assure that I will support all the developmental programmes undertaken in this parish. It is my responsibility to do so."

District incharge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake released the appeal letter. Bishop Dr Gerald blessed the gathering and said that the church is witnessing rapid growth with the construction of the new building.

Pramod Madhwaraj, MLA of Udupi announced Rs one lac for the construction of the new church building, while Jerry Vincent Dias of Mandavi Builders pledged Rs 10 lac.

Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Fr Lawrence , Fr Roshan, Fr Reginald Pinto, Fr Charles Noronha, Fr Roque D’Souza, parish priest of Udyavar, Vijay Kumar Udyavar, gram panchayat president, Charles Noronha, Anita Saldanha, secretary of Udyavar parish council, Danny Pinto and Yogishchandra, architects, Girish Kumar of Udyavar taluk panchayat and others were present.

Architects of the new church building are Danny Pinto, Tina Pinto and Yogishchandra of Western Architects, Udupi.

Fr Dr Roque D’Souza welcomed the gathering, Lawrence D’Sa, vice-president of Udyavar parish council proposed the vote of thanks..

John D'Souza and Pushpa Tauro compered the programme.