Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/KR)
Udupi, Nov 19: Beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima, brought from Israel, was blessed and installed at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Perampalli on Saturday November 18.
Prior to this ceremony, the statue was blessed by Fr Alban D’Souza at Stella Maris Church, Kalmady. Then it was brought to Perampally Church in a procession starting from Ambagilu Junction.
A thanksgiving mass was offered at Stella Maris Church, Kalmady. Fr Jason, Cap. presided over the Holy Eucharistic celebrations while Fr Romeo Lewis, parish priest, Our Lady Fatima Church, Fr Reginald Pinto, resident priest of Perampally Church and director of Sampada of diocese of Udupi, Fr Alban D’Souza, parish priest of Stella Maris Church were present on the occasion.
Procession of the statue
The statue was brought in a procession from Ambagilu junction to Perampally church. Jerry Vincent Dias, managing director, Mandavi Real Estate Developers, flagged off the procession at the junction.
Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Fr Romeo has worked really hard for building the church. This has happened only because of his initiative. The parishioners worked in unity under him to have completed this great job. People have sacrificed their sweat and blood for the church,” he said.
Parishioners and devotees joined in five kilometer long procession. Large number of devotees took part in the procession. Mary’s hymns were sung during the procession.
The statue will be kept in the newly built grotto in the church premises.
After reaching the Perampally church, Fr. Alban D’Souza conducted the prayer.
This special statue was brought from Israel, when Fr Romeo visited the country eight years back. The special statue was taken in the procession in the presence of nearly one lac people from all over the world.
As a token of love, a priest from Israel had gifted this statue to Fr Romeo Lewis. With the help of Jossy Pinto and family this statue was brought to India and was installed in the church grotto.
“After bringing this statue to our parish, many good things have happened. The witness is our new church. Our lady of Fatima has showered her blessings upon us in this work,” said Fr Romeo in his thanksgiving address. He thanked Fr Alban D’Souza for allowing them to celebrate the Eucharistic mass in Kalmady. Fr Reginald Pinto, Sampada director was also present.
The newly built church of Our Lady of Fatima will be inaugurated on November 23.
Daijiworld will bring live web streaming of the historical event from 8.45 am onwards.