Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Pics: Pachu Permannur

Mangaluru, Jan 22: The concluding ceremony of the year-long festive and community building events of St Sebastian Church, Permannur which is celebrating its centenary year celebrations, was held with a thanksgiving mass and grand programme at the church ground Sunday, January, 21.

Fr Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese was the main celebrant of the thanksgiving mass and Fr Dr Robert Miranda, bishop of Gulbarga diocese, and Fr Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop of Beltangady diocese were the co-celebrants.

In his homily, Bishop Robert Miranda said, “On this joyful occasion, we should remember our ancestors who lived here in hundred years ago. We should think about their faith in Jesus Christ in those times of difficulties. They had a vision for their generation along their faith. They took St Sebastian as an example and model who also had a vision that was to serve under privileged and poor people. With continuous prayers along with faith and vision, they wrote history in this region. The almighty and St Sebastian have continued to shower their blessings here. Today is the day of thanksgiving and remembrance. God made wonders here. So we should praise him today. Praising and thanksgiving will pave the way for more showers of blessings."

Hundreds of priests and thousands of devotees participated in the holy mass.

Oscar Fernandes, former union minister, U T Khader, minister for food and civil supplies, J R Lobo, MLA, Mangaluru South, Ivan D’Souza, MLC and chief whip, Legislative Council, and Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike graced the concluding programme which was held after the mass. Bishop Dr Robert Miranda and Bishop Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy were the chief guests.

Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza in his presidential address said, "The jubilee of hundred years is a great opportunity to look back into the history and look forward towards the creation of history. Hundred years ago, our ancestors started to pray here in this church. Once they started to pray together miracles took place in their life. With the help of visionary priests, they opened school and engaged in educating people. Slowly Permannur became a place of enlightenment because of the educational institutions run by the church.

"At the same time, the priests who served here rendered selfless service to this parish and they succeeded in building a strong community. They tried to strengthen the faith of the community members and lead to a social reformation of this area. At this milestone of 100 years, we can see the results. Today Permannur parish is one of the strongest community holding parishes in the diocese. On this occasion, I congratulate the parish priest, assistant priests, parishioners and the entire people of this region. Many more jubilees will be celebrated in this region which is a symbol of harmony and peace,” he said.

Oscar Fernandes said, "Having a strong Christian community and parish, Permannur have made wonders. This is the result of unity. They celebrated the centenary year and shared their joy with other communities. From the past one year, people from the entire Ullal region stood together in the name of St Sebastian and got engaged in jubilee programmes. It shows the unity of the people beyond religions. It shows the spirit of harmony and humanity filled with love towards each other. It should continue and this region should become a model for others.”

Minister U T Khader said, "I am proud of the fact that a church which is in my constituency has completed hundred years of its existence. I know the holiness of St Sebastian Church, Permannur. Every visit to this church makes me strong. The schools run by this church have revolutionised the region. The quality of teaching has attracted neighboring places students’ towards Permannur. Beside the regular syllabus, the teachers and sisters in these schools teach about humanity. This will make students special from others. It will help them grow as a responsible citizen."

MLA J R Lobo urged the youths of the community to enroll in government services which will pave way for service and social leadership.

On behalf of the parishioners, parish priest Fr J B Saldhana was felicitated by the bishops and dignitaries.

As part of the centenary celebration, a project of building 10 houses for homeless was inaugurated.

Fr Stany B Lobo, rector, Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld media, Sr Susheela Sequeira, superior general, Ursuline Sisters, Roy Castelino, former president, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Louis J Pinto, president, Mandd Sobhan and others were present.