Pics: Kevin Rodrigues/Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (JD)
Karkala, Dec 16: Blessing and inauguration of renovated Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Nakre was held on Saturday December 15, 2018.
Helen Mathias and Frank Michel Lobo, prime donors of the renovated church building inaugurated the same by cutting the ribbon. Newly built Grotto was inaugurated by Melwin Anitha D'Souza.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop, Diocese of Udupi, blessed the new church building and grotto. Golden jubilee celebrations were also observed at the same time. Fr Stephen D’Souza, director, Divya Jyothi, Diocese of Udupi, conducted the rituals during the celebration.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, Diocese of Udupi led the thanks giving Holy Eucharistic celebrations, while Fr Vincent Crasta, parish priest, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Fr Joswy Fernandes, parish priest, Christ King Church Karkala and dean of Karkala Deanery, priests from the deanery and diocese took part in the celebrations.
In his homily, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, “Today is a day to celebrate for all the parishioners of Nakre church. A long-time dream has come true. This church is a symbol of sacrifice and Almighty’s generosity. In Indian tradition 'Devalaya' holds a great meaning. It is a place where God lives. It is a holy place, which establishes a holy relationship between Almighty and the people."
“Relationship between God and people is continuous. Our God is Emmanuel. He lives within us. In the ancient period there is no reference to church buildings. King David was the first to start building the church, but he couldn’t complete it and his son Solomon completed the work of the church building. At the end of the universe also there will be no churches.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did not get to see in temple or churches but in various other places. Church is a place to offer prayers and offerings. Creator does not need the temple created by people. But people need it,” the Bishop added.
After the thanks giving Holy Eucharistic mass, public felicitation programme was held.
In his message to the gathering Fr Joswy Fernandes said, “Nakre parishioners have protected their faith in Lord for the past 50 years. The newly renovated church is evidence for this. All the parishioners have contributed their best to build this church. We need to spread the Lord’s message through our acts and deeds. Through us people should realize that Jesus alone is a true saviour. Now we have to build a good society around us."
Speaking on the occasion, Sister Cecilia Mendonca, Provincial, Bethany sisters, said, “Every thousand miles journey starts with a single step. This church was a small chapel 50 years ago, but today we have a huge church. For this building many have sacrificed their money, labour and everything. Today this beautiful church has stood up only because of the parish priest, Pastoral council and parishioners. Fr Andrew who was the then parish priest was very much instrumental in uplifting the parish in all terms."
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, in his presidential address said, “Today is a day to remember. This parish was a ward of Attur church. In August 1960, the first Holy Eucharist was celebrated in the chapel in Nakre. Dr Basil D’Souza, the then Bishop of Mangalore diocese in 1968 declared Nakre as a parish. This parish has excelled in all the fields. In mission Sunday collections also the parish has topped.”
“Many members of this parish have become priests and sisters. This proves that the parishioners are strong in their faith. With the little strength of 180 families, the parishioners have succeeded in building a beautiful church within a short period. The parish priest, like a good leader, has taken responsibility to build the church spiritually as well as in structure. There were no basic facilities here. Fr Vincent has constructed a beautiful church and a house for priests,” the Bishop added.
Helen Mathias, Frank Michael Lobo and Melwin Anitha D’Souza prime donors of the renovated church and other donors and sponsors who have contributed for the renovation of the church were felicitated by Bishop.
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo also felicitated the parish priest Fr Vincent Crasta for successfully completing the construction of the church within a short period of 10 months.
Lawrence Cutihno, architect, Robert Noronha, Contractor, Ramachandra Nayak, site engineer were honoured for their selfless service.
Golden Jubilee souvenir 'Nakreche Neketre' was released by Fr Praveen Henry D’Souza, provincial of Franciscan friars.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop, Diocese of Udupi, presided over the felicitation programme. Fr Praveen Henry D’Souza, provincial, Franciscan friars, Sister Precilla D’Mello, provincial, Rosary Convent, Sister Cecilia Mendonca, provincial Bethany sisters, Fr Vincent Crasta, parish priest of Nakre church, Ligory Mendonca, vice-president, pastoral council, Nevil D'Souza, secretary, pastoral council, George D’Souza, coordinator, 18 commissions were present during the function.
Ligory Mendonca welcomed the gathering. Fr Vincent Crasta rendered the vote of thanks. George Castelino, Nakre, compered the programme.