Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (KR)
Karkala, May 1: The quasquicentennial celebrations of St Joseph Church, Belman concluded on a grand note on Wednesday, May 1.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi preside over the solemn festive Mass, while Fr Denis D’Sa, dean, Shirva deanery, Fr Stany B Lobo, councillor, diocese of Udupi, Fr Edwin D’souza, parish priest, St Joseph Church, Belman, Fr Prakash Menezes, assistant parish priest, priests from the deanery, diocese and native priests across the globe were the concelebrants.
On the occasion, annual feast was also celebrated. Prior to the festive Mass, Fr Edwin D’souza, presented candles to all the donors.
In the homily, Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, “Mother Teresa was known as ‘Saint of the Gutters’. She showed compassion towards poor people. People used to call her ‘A Living Saint’. One who is a kind Christian is a saint. The call to be a saint is given by God. His words will help us live life easily. He asks us to be Holy. If we work for peace among our neighbourhood, then it is called as holiness. If we give bread to the hungry, if give water to thirsty, if we visit people in prison, or if we look after sick people, it is not only merciful work, but it is a way to heaven.”
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, presided over the programme. Dr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, diocese of Udupi, Fr Denis D’Sa, dean, Shirva deanery, Sr Maltilda Monteiro, provincial superior, Sisters of Charity, Mangaluru province, Sunil Kumar, chief whip, opposition, Karnataka State Government and MLA, Karkala, Gopal Bhandary, former MLA, Karkala, Reshma Uday Shetty, member, zilla panchayt, Udupi, Asha Devendra Shetty, member, taluk panchayat, Karkala, Varija Salian, president, Belman panchayat, Fr Edwin D’Souza, parish priest, Fr Prakash Menezes, assistant parish priest, Alwyn Agera, vice president, Parish Pastoral Council, Faustine D’Souza, secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Dominic Andrade, 18 commissions coordinator, and Gregory Menezes, converner, jubilee committee, were present on the dais.
Fr Denis D’Sa in his address said, “Jubilee means coming together and forgiving each other. Jubilee is the golden opportunity to come back home and see, meet, greet and ask for forgiveness and celebrate. On this occasion of 125 years of celebration, we all came back here for different reasons. Jubilee is to look back and thank God and remember all the religious leaders and laity people for their service during the last 125 years. To look within and evaluate that if I have stayed faithful or if we need to come back and look forward and trust. I know who is waiting for me ahead and he is Our Beloved God.”
Sr Matilda Monetiero, superior, Sisters of Charity, thanked all the parishioners. “The seed laid 125 years ago by our elders has grown like a big tree and for a reason we are here today. I am feeling happy to be part of this celebration.”
Msgr Baptist Menezes, vicar general in his message, congratulated all priests and parishioners. “While entering inside here, I felt happy looking at the traditional pandal. I used to visit this church frequently after Shirva parish for many reasons. I ordinated as priest from this parish only and if God wish then will celebrate the golden jubilee celebration of priesthood here only. I have special feelings towards the Belman people. Many have joined religious congregations,” he said.
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, in his presidential address said, “During jubilee celebrations, projects nearly Rs three crore have been implemented. On this occasion, let us remember about the pastoral mission, we all have to join hands to execute work in our parish, on this Jubilee celebrations no one should be needy here, and finally let us build the community with love, prayer, and service. Looking at this, others have to follow us in the coming day s. Since last five days, with the help and support of parishioners, under the leadership of parish priest, assistant priest, and committee members, all events went smoothly and all the credit goes to all of you.”
Post centenary silver jubilee celebrations souvenir was released by Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo.
Former parish priest, assistant parish priest, vice president, secretary, gurkars, and donors were felicitated by the bishop.
Alwyn Agera, vice president, Parish Pastoral Council, welcomed the gathering, Gregory Menezes, convenor, jubilee committee proposed the vote of thanks, and Domonic Andrade, convenor, 18 commission and Hilda Sequeira compered the formal felicitation function.
Prior to the annual feast and post centenary silver jubilee celebrations, Religious Day was celebrated on Saturday, April 27 which was presided over by Fr Pius James D’Souza, OCD, episcopal vicar for Religious, diocese of Mangaluru. On Sunday, April 28, Confraternity Sunday was celebrated by Fr Melwyn Roy Lobo, assistant parish priest, Holy Rosary Church, Kundapur. On Monday, April 29, first Holy Communion Day was celebrated and Fr Denis D’Sa, dean, Shirva deanery will preside over the event and on the same day Horekanike was offered and Fr Lawrence D’Souza, parish priest, Perpetual Succour Church, Kalathur, presided over the event. On Tuesday, April 30, Fr Joswin Praveen D’Souza, assistant parish priest, St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia, presided over the vespers celebrations.
Fellowship meal was arranged for all the devotees.