Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Feb 17: The inauguration and blessing of the newly constructed chapel at St Anne's friary was held on Tuesday, February 17 in befitting cermeony.
Fr Dolphy Joseph Pais, provincial minister of Capuchins in Karnataka province inuagurated the chapel. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, the bishop of Mangaluru blessed the chapel.
Renovated St Antony's shrine was blessed by Fr Bertrand D'Cunha, new mini hall was inaugurated by Fr Dolphy Serrao and Fr Fredrick D'Souza inaugurated the Marian grotto.
Thereafter, the Eucharist celebration was done by Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza as the main celebrant in which number of priests and devotees participated.
Fr Dolphy Pais, in his homily said, "You may ask while God himself lives in every human being, is a place for worship required? In fact, though one can easily say no, strictly speaking a place for worship is required. We can only make our lives worthy by being good, and in order to be good, we need to pray together. God asked Abraham to build a place for worship for him. All holy people in the old testament built centres of worship for God. Hence we decided to build this new chapel to accommodate more devotees. May God bless all the people who helped to build this magnificent place of worship."
Msgr Dennis Moras Prabhu and Fr Pius D'Souza, carmelite were present during the mass. Fr Ben Britto rendered some prayers in the form of hymns. Simon Pais conducted the choir.
A thanksgiving and felicitation programme followed after the mass.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Fr Dolphy Pais, Fr Cyprian D'Souza, Blossom Fernandes, Margaret Rebello (granddaughter of George Lobo, the donor of the original friary land), and Elias Fernandes from Four Winds graced the dias.
The representatives of donors were felicitated by the dignitaries on the dias. Former superiors of the friary and representatives of various contractors were also felicitated.
A souvenir on the life of Capuchins, a book by Fr Fredrick D'Souza (pen name Brother Junifer) and 'Gaytha Aathmik Thalo'an audio compilation of hymns by Fr Dolphy Serrao and Fr Cyprian D'Souza were unveiled during the programme.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza who delivered the presidential address said, "Capuchins are admired priests in the world. They are known for their life of poverty, sacrifice and prayers. I call upon all the seminarians, novices and the faithful to emulate Capuchins. I also approach Capuchins for various needs through their superior Fr Cyprian D'Souza. He always says yes. I wish them all the best and congratulate them on this occasion."
Lunch was served to all the faithfuls. Around 4,000 people witnessed the inauguration.
Fr Darel Fernandes assisted by Sharal D'Souza compered the progarmme.
About St Anne's Friary:
St Anne’s Friary on Jail road, a house of prayer of the Franciscan Capuchin Friars, has been a landmark in Mangaluru city for the past 85 years. Over the years it has touched the lives of people from different walks of life.
The old chapel at the friary which had to be replaced with new chapel now, will become a place of tranquility for thousands of devotees.
The place where the friary stands presently was gifted to the friars by George Lobo, a retired jailor in memory of his deceased wife, Annie Lobo in 1936. Hence the friary was named after St Anne. Earlier the Friary used only as a residence and center for Franciscan gatherings is a giant institution now.
The friary has many initiatives to its credit including Secular Franciscan Order (SFO), Konkani Natak Sabha, Don Bosco hall, 'Sevak' Konkani monthly magazine and Assisi Press.
St Antony’s Shrine which stands in front of the chapel, St Pio shrine and Divine Mercy Centre are the places inside St Anne's friary premises which attract people from all religions every day. Divine Mercy Centre where more than a thousand devotees gather on every Friday, is called as a place of miracles.