Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KR)
Udupi, Dec 10: The golden jubilee of St Peter’s Church, Pethri, was celebrated with much zeal and fervor on December 10, 2018.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, presided over the thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration. Msgr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, Diocese of Udupi, Fr Joseph Machado, parish priest, St Peter’s Church, Fr Victor Fernandes, and priests form the denary and from the diocese were the celebrants on the occasion.
In his homily the bishop said,”The Jews used to celebrate Sabbath on seventh day and celebrate the day together; it was also a day of rest for them. Jubilee year is a remembrance. When we look back at this chapel fifty years ago, there is the sacrifice of priests, the efforts and faith of our ancestors and dedication of people which brought forth this glorious jubilee celebration. We remember the difficulties faced by our ancestors in the hands of Tipu Sultan and later their sacrifices to bring up this parish. Here we see the blessings of St Peter and this is the day to remember all these things and give thanks to God.”
“Jubilee is a call to change our life and increase our faith. John Baptist had appealed to people to change their life and spoke about Jesus Christ. And this jubilee year, we too have the same call to ask forgiveness for our sins and live a good life. Jubilee is a sign of forgiveness; let it not be just for the name sake. Let us forgive each other and help the needy and poor. Jubilee is a call to lead the life in the way of God; to live according to God's will and be with God through prayer, sacrifice and forgiveness,” he said.
“Finally, Jubilee is a celebration. It is a year of celebration. It is holy and indeed a blessing from god and that is why we are part of it. May God bless us all in this jubilee year and lead us in his path. Let us thank our patron and God on this day and live according to the word of God,” he concluded.
After the Eucharistic celebrations, a grand felicitation programme was presided by the bishop of Udupi diocese. Msgr Baptist Menezes, Pramod Madhwaraj, former minister, government of Karnataka, Sudhakar Shetty, member, zilla panchayat ( Pedroor), Gopi K Naik, member taluk panchayat (Cherkadi), Harish Shetty, president, Cherkadi gram panchayat, Fr Victor Fernandes, parish priest, Holy Family Church, Brahmaavar, Sr Rose Florine, superior, Scared Heart Convent, Brahmavar graced the occasion along with Fr Joseph Machado, parish priest, St Peter’s Church, Pethri, Vincent D’Almeida, vice president, parish pastoral council, and Prema D’Almeida, secretary.
Speaking on the occasion Pramod Madhwaraj said,”This region consists of middle class people and backward class people and it is difficult to build a church in such place. And seeing through the history of the church, it has developed in all ways and the people of this place have strived hard for the same. Today people from all religion came to the church to pray. The doors of the church are always open to all. I wish all the best to all the parishioners.”
Msgr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, diocese of Udupi, speaking on the occasion said, “When I was appointed as Vicar general of Udupi Diocese, I didn’t know where Pethri church was. I got an opportunity to celebrate Nativity feast in this church and I thank everyone for this. Jesus Christ built his church of the rock called Peter. Though here are people who are not that financially strong they have always extended their helping hand and have sacrificed a lot for the church and have decorated it with golden memories on this Golden Jubilee celebration. I appreciate the work of all parishioners and seek blessings of God on all of them.”
Giving his message Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, “I thank God for this day and congratulate all the parishioners of the parish on this day. May God bless you all! We already felicitated the donor who donated 9 acres of land to this parish. Till date 15 priests have offered their service to this church and some of them are here. I thank all the priests for their service. We heard from others that people of this place are kindhearted and are peace loving people. This shows that you are the witnesses of Jesus Christ and have set a good example to others. This church has been developing in various ways and the people are not less than others. I wish this may grow in coming days. People of this place are hard working. There are many people who work on daily wages and still struggle for their financial needs. This parish is not like the others in diocese. Diocese will always extend a helping hand in all ways to make this church self-dependent. “
“I appeal to all the parents to teach their children well and we shall help those who are in need. I always visit this place and people here arekind hearted and loving. They are always welcoming every priest with open hands. Though we are less in number, let us build this church as one family,” the bishop advised.
On the occasion, former parish priests, donors of the church land, former vice presidents and secretaries of parish pastoral council, Gurkar of Vados, donors of the Jubilee Celebrations were honoured on the occasion.
Fr Josheph Machado welcomed the gathering; Vincent D’Almeida proposed the vote of thanks, Edward Larson, Suja D’Souza, Jeneview D’Souza, and Marlin D’Souza compered the programme.
On the occasion of the jubilee, fellowship meal was served to all. Various cultural programme were performed by the parishioners.