Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 3: The world’s first ever shrine dedicated to ‘Monthi Saibin’ was blessed by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru on Sunday, September 2 at Monte Mariano, Farangipet.

Fr Peter Cyprian D’Souza, the provincial councilor of Karnataka capuchin province, inaugurated the shrine by cutting the ribbon. A novena book specially prepared for this occasion with the novena prayers of ‘Monthi Saibin’ was released by Sr. Lilly D’Souza, the secretary of Secular Franciscan Order of Bantval Varado. The novena book was sponsored by Michael D’Souza, a philanthropist and businessman from Dubai. Copies of this booklet were distributed to all gathered at free of cost. Novena prayers were recited from the same book by all.

Holy Eucharist followed thereafter and a short felicitation programme was held to thank Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza for his dedicated services as the bishop of Mangaluru. Fr Gerald Lobo, the superior of Monte Mariano and the parish priest of Infant Jesus Church, Pavoor Uliya, honoured the bishop on the part of Monte Mariano Community. Thereafter, the members of the Secular Franciscan Order too felicitated the bishop for protecting them spiritually, being himself a member of the Secular Franciscan Order.

The faithful of newly established quasi-parish at Infant Jesus, Pavoor Uliya, made use of this occasion to honour and express their sentiments of gratitude to the bishop with a shawl, bouquet of flowers and fruits. Fr Gerald Lobo thanked everyone for generously coming forward to erect this shrine dedicated to ‘Monthi Saibin’. Michael D’Souza was remembered in a very special way in his absence for sponsoring the Novena Booklet. The bishop thanked everyone from the bottom of his heart for honouring him for and requested everyone to pray for his future good health.

After the Holy Eucharist breakfast was served to all the faithful gathered on the occasion.