Media Release
Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady
Udupi, Jan 24: On occasion of Christian Unity week from January 18 to 25, Stella Maris Church, Kalmady on Wednesday January 23 hosted a prayer service with the neighbouring CSI, UBMC and other churches. The prayer service was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the Bishop of the diocese and all the priests present.
Fr Santosh A, assistant priest of UBM Church, Malep begun the prayer service followed by a brief reflection on the Word of God by Fr David Nirmanik, priest of UBM Church, Malpe.
In his message Fr Gabriel Samuel, priest of CSI Church, Udupi said, “On this celebration on unity octave of prayer with the various faithful I extend my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of our community to the bishop of Udupi diocese and also to all the people who have taken leadership to organize this prayer service. Though our faith, celebration and customs vary we have to keep aside all these and have been united here to praise God. Jesus Christ also united everyone. We might have differences among us but at the end our savoir is one. Jesus Christ is a good priest, a good Shepherd and we all follow His path. May this unity continue in the coming days and let us pray to God that the bond between us may increase and be a wider family and to build a good community for God.”
Blessing the gathering Bishop Gerald Issac Lobo said, "The whole world celebrates Christian Unity week by giving first preference to prayer. Every year the festival of peace is celebrated by reading and reflecting on the Word of God. Also, at the time of Christmas the people of all communities gather and celebrate the birth of Christ. Already in Udupi district, United Christian Forum for human rights has begun and through this representative of various communities various programmes have been launched. Today, we heard and reflected on the Word of God and have sought the blessings of God. We are all Christians, have received baptism and adore one God and have accepted Jesus Christ to be our Savior. We need to be united and live together in love and harmony. May Jesus Christ bless us all.”
Melodious hymns were sung by the members of CSI, UBM and Stella Maris Church choir.
Fr Herald Periera, SCC director 18 commission co-ordinator, Udupi diocese, Fr Francis Cornelio, parish priest, St Anne Church, Thottam, Fr Reginald Pinto, director, Sampada, Udupi diocese, Fr William Martis, Fr Charles, Shobha Mendonca, secretary, Parish Pastoral council, Kalmady Church, Francis Fernandes, convenor of 18 Commission, Kalmady Church were present on the occasion.
Stanly Menezes, convenor, All Christian congregation unit commission welcomed the gathering, Fr Alban D’Souza, parish priest, Stella Maris Church, Kalmady extended the vote of thanks, Sanjay Andrade, vice president, Parish Pastoral council, Kalmady Church compered the programme.