Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)
Mangaluru, Dec 31: The newly-built Infant Mary Church at Bajjodi in Mangaluru will be inaugurated by the provincial superior of the Carmelites of Karnataka-Goa province Fr Charles Serrao on Friday January 2.
The holy Eucharist will be celebrated by Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru, who will also bless the new church at 9 am.
A felicitation function will be held after the holy mass followed by lunch.
Fr Joe Tauro, the superior of St Joseph's Monastery, Carmel Hill, Fr Antony Serrao, parish priest of St Sebastian Church, Bendore and Fr Melvin D'Cunha, presently the priest in charge of Infant Mary Church, Oscar Fernandes, MP, J R Lobo, MLA, Ivan D'Souza, MLC, FRr Pius James D'Souza, Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Lancy Mascarenhas, contractor, George, Engineer, Lawrence Cutinha, Architect and other dignitaries will be present with clergymen and devotees during the inauguration.
Addressing a press meet here on Wednesday December 31, Fr Melvin D'Cunha, presently the priest in charge of Infant Mary Church said that the new independent parish has six wards with 327 families and he also added that cost of construction of the new church was Rs 3.5 crore.
"Infant Mary Chruch, Bajjodi which has been part of the Bendore parish so far will beecome a new parish after the inauguration of the church. The Carmelite fathers from Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill always helped them in their spiritual needs as Bendore Chruch was very far for them to visit. Later the Carmelites were entrusted to build a new church when the need arose," he added
Fr Nelson Pinto took the initiative and helped in the important matters to start the parish. Then Fr Melvin D'Cunha took over from him to begin the construction of the church. Fr Melvin is being assisted by Fr Deep Fernandes.
About the new church
It took three years to complete the church building. The style of architecture is Roman Gothic. The church building has four floors which is not a common thing in the region. The building also has a hall and a mini hall. There are sufficient rooms for Sunday Catechism. The prayer hall in the church can accommodate 600 people inside and 200 people in the balcony.
The church has a magnificent front door with the picture of Holy Family. Other doors have the pictures of saints. The grills in the balcony depict the 20 mysteries of the Rosary.
The event will be webcast LIVE on daijiworld.com from 9 am on January 2.