Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 9: Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru on Thursday November 9 inaugurated 'Pavitraatama Abhishelotsva 2017', a state-level convention on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church, by lighting the lamp.
A flag carrying the logo of the jubilee was hoisted on the occasion.
As part of the inaugural programme seven doves (the symbol of seven gifts of the Holy Spirit) were released into the air with a big applause by the people.
The bishop then offered the inaugural Holy Mass. In his homily the bishop said that the golden jubilee of the Renewal is an occasion to thank God for the numerous gifts the Mother Church has received from God. "Because of Renewal people have received countless blessings in the form of spiritual enrichment, physical healings, spiritual healings, change of life, reconciliations, release from evil habits etc," he said.
Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhi, the episcopal advisor of Karnataka Regional Charismatic Service team was the main speaker of the day. He preached on the theme ‘Walking with Jesus-Call to holiness’. Fr Franklin D’Souza of Shimoga diocese and Fr Jose Vettiancal conducted the Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament.
Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, the Vicar General; M P Noronha, the diocesan pastoral council secretary; J R Lobo, MLA, Mangaluru South constituency; Ivan D’Souza, MLC and chief whip Karnataka state Legislative Assembly; Fr Melwyn Noronha, spiritual director, Mangalore Service Team (MST), Michael Noronha, chairman Karnataka Service team(KRST) Arun Lobo, chairman (MST); were present on the occasion.
Fr Onil D'Souza, the convener of the Convention welcomed the gathering. More than 10,000 people were present for the programme.