Pics by Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/KR)
Udupi, Jan 4: Prior to the inauguration and blessing of the newly renovated Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, Hore Kannike and an inter-religious meet was held on Wednesday, January 3.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi presided over the inter-religious meet, while Sri Sri Sri Dr Vidhyavashaspathi Vishwasanthosha Bharathi Swamiji pontiff of Barkur Mahasamsthana, Fr Valerian Mendonca, chancellor, diocese of Udupi, Mohammed Yaseen Malpe, president Udupi District Muslim Union were the guest of honour, Fr Alban D’Souza, parish priest, Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, Sanjay Andrade, vice president, Parish Pastoral Council, Shobha Mendonca, secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, and Jeneview Lobo, convenor, inter religious committee were present on the dais.
Mohammed Yaseen Malpe addressing the gathering said, “This church reflects the culture and occupation of coastal folks. We build religious centres to pray to God to forgive our sins. Islam says, one who builds the mosque will be given a beautiful home to live in heaven. We are kites in the hands of God. Until we are under the control of God, we will be going on the right path. Story of Adam and Eve is also in Quran but with some changes. The centre they built to confess their sin in the universe in now called as Kaabatulla, Mecca.
“Religious centres should also teach its faithful to do social service. The mass prayers we do in religious centres helps us to find needy among us. Protection of one’s religion is not about harming others religious feelings. Protecting ones and also supporting to protect others religion is real protection of religion,” he said.
Sri Sri Sri Dr Vidhyavashaspathi Vishwasanthosha Bharathi swamiji expressing his views said, “Today’s programme is an example that religious programmes can be held very peacefully. Everyone says ‘Dharmorakshathirakshitha’, the same shloka continues as ‘Dharmohathohanthahi’ which means a man who kills someone in the name of religion will be killed by the religion. Many say that Christians are in favour of westernisation, but today all Christian women are wearing traditional Indian sarees. The bishops of Udupi and Mangaluru are living according to the sayings of Jesus Christ.”
Fr Valerian Mendonca said, “We all are children of God, thus we become brothers and sisters. Our constitution allows us to follow any religion of our choice. When we realise that we are brothers and sisters, peace will prevail in the world. Mother Theresa spread love of Jesus Christ through her service. The way plans of war start in humans’ minds, peace too should begin in one’s mind. When we go to heaven, we are all treated like the children of God.”
In his presidential remark Dr Gerald Issac Lobo said, “There are more than 3,000 castes in India and 10 major religions, but we are Indians. Five rivers flowing through coastal Karnataka all join the sea. Likewise, we all belong to different religions and but are all Indians. To be with God is the motto of all religions, but we choose different ways to be with Him. No religion tells us to harm others.”
Shekar Tingalaya, president, Hanuman Vitobha Bhajana Mandir, Harmis Noronha, CMC councillor, and Peer Saheb, proprietor, Karavali Enterprises were honoured on the occasion.
Prior to inter-religious meet, the ‘Hore Kannike’ procession was flagged of by district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj along with Dr Jerry Vincent Dais, promoter, Mandavi Developers at Malpe Bus stand. Fr Alban D’Souza blessed the occasion, Fr Reginald Pinto, Fr Valerian D’Silva, Fr Stephen Lewis, Sanjay Andrade, vice-president, Shobha Mendonca, secretary, Hormis Noronha standing committee president, CMC Udupi, and Narayana Kundar, CMC Udupi were present.
After inaugurating the procession Pramod Madhwaraj in his address said, “Malpe has the second largest port in India. Today, there is the ‘Pura Pravesha’ of Palimar Swamiji who is heading Paryaya for the next two years. This boat shaped church in the region is purely the wish and blessings of God. This will be a proud movement for all devotes of this region.”
Dr Jerry Vincent Dais said, “Today, we have a famous church at Karkala along with Stella Maris Church. Devotes know this church as Velankani Shrine. She will reach to all our needs when we pray with trust and faith. Devotees have helped Fr Alban to construct this church. I am grateful to all the donors who donated without thinking about caste and creed. We are lucky enough to witness this historical event.”
Devotees from various churches, and local organizations of different communities brought offerings in decorated vehicles. Jolly Friends Dubai dressed in a unique way in Arabic style was one of the main attractions in the procession.
The procession was accompanied by tableaux, Chande, Music, Brass Band, Huli Vesha and various folk troupes.
Grand inaugural ceremony
The unique architectural masterpiece is the first boat-shaped church in the state and will be inaugurated in a grand ceremony on January 6 at 9 am in the presence of Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru, Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shimoga and Dr Robert Miranda, bishop of Gulbarga.
More than 10,000 devotees are expected to take part in the inauguration function which will be followed by a public felicitation programme. A fellowship meal will also be served to all the devotees.
Daijiworld.com will bring the live web streaming of the event from 8.45 am onwards on Saturday, January 6.