Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Dec 30: “The inauguration and blessing of the newly built Stella Maris Church, Kalamady will be held on January 6, 2018," said Fr Alban D'Souza, parish priest of Kalmady church, in a press meet held at Stella Maris Church premises on Saturday, December 30.

Thanking devotees and other contributors for lending help in building the church, Fr Alban revealed the details of programmes to be held on the day of inauguration. He said, “Fr Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop of Udupi, Fr Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru, Fr Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shimoga, and Fr Dr Robert Miranda, bishop of Gulbarga will lead the Eucharistic celebrations. More than 10,000 devotees are expected for this historical moment.

“A formal stage function will also be held after the Eucharistic celebrations followed by a fellowship meal. Minister Pramod Madhwaraj, MP of Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency Shobha Karandlanje, Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes, and chief whip of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Ivan D'souza will be present for the programme.

“Prior to the inauguration and blessing of the church, a ‘Hore Kaanike’ procession will be taken out on January 3. Pramod Madhwaraj, district in-charge manager and Jerry Vincent Dias, MD Mandavi Developers will flag off the procession at Malpe junction at 2.30 pm. Nasik band, tableau on characters of Bible and traditional drum beats will lead the procession. On the same day at 4pm, an inter-religious meet will be held in the church premises.

“Bishop Gerald Issac Lobo will preside over the meet. Fr Valerian Mendonca, chancellor of Udupi diocese, Sri Sri Sri Dr Vidhyavachaspathi Vishwa Santhosh Bharathi Sripadaru, pontiff of Shri Barkuru Mahasamsthana, and Mohammed Yaseen Malpe, president, Udupi District Muslim Union will be the guests of honour for the meet,” he said.

Sanjay Andrade, vice-president, parish pastoral committee, Shobha Mendonca, secretary, and Lewis Lobo, building committee were present.

Stella Maris Church is built in a unique boat shape. Kalmady church is the second in the world and first in India to have this unique design. The belfry tower of the church is designed like a light house. The bell for the new church has been brought from Germany. A grotto for Miracles Statue of Velankanni is also built in the church premise.