Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (TDS)
Mangaluru, May 4: The golden jubilee of Holy Spirit Church, Mukka was celebrated with a splendid event at the Church grounds here on Saturday May 4.
The celebration began with the Holy Mass celebrated by the chief guest of the event Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. It was followed by a prayer dance at the church grounds and video presentation with highlights of the jubilee history from 1969-2019 of the Church.
Oscar Fernandes, member of Rajya Sabha, Blossom D’ Souza, wife of Oscar Fernandes, Fr Paul Pinto, vicar var, Suratkal varado, J R Lobo, former MLA, Mangalore South constituency, Sr Sandhya, SND provincial superior, Leo Rodrigues, Abu Dhabi-based entrepreneur, Revathi Puthran, former corporator, Fr Herald D’Souza and Fr Norbert Lobo were on the dais.
In his welcome speech, Fr Cyril Pinto, parish priest welcomed the gathering and the dignitaries.
The occasion also saw honouring of exceptional beneficiaries of the church. On the list were all the parish priests who were in charge of the church. The recent vicars were presented with a shawl, a fruit basket, a bouquet and a memento by the bishop Dr Peter Saldanha, Oscar Fernandes and J R Lobo. Similarly other priests and nuns were also honoured for their exemplary service.
Leo Rodrigues, Urban Pinto, Simon Rodrigues, Allen Brian D'Souza, Alphonso Periera and Zeta Saldanha were also called on to the stage and honored for their exceptional service and contributions towards the church. Similarly, various committee members were also honoured. Sponsors who contributed more than Rs one lac each were also honoured. Finally, families who had donated cash were called on to the stage to receive tokens of gratitude for their contribution.
Oscar Fernandes released the church magazine. In his short message he thanked everyone for coming to the event and expressed his happiness for being a part of the occasion. Sr Sandhya too in her message conveyed her hearty congratulations to both the parish priests and all its members on the occasion. Similarly, Leo Rodrigues, Revathi Puthran and Fr Paul Pinto congratulated and extended their gratitude to all the members who have been a part of the parish and who have made the day a success.
"It is wonderful to see you all here present for the event. I remember Fr J P Tauro when he initially had started this church, used to hold meetings on government subsidies and also help the people to avail those. I used to attend those events and I used to work with him. That would be my first initiation into a public servants life. It seems like a very short period between then and today where we are celebrating the jubilee. Though you cannot be measured by quantity, there is quality in you. I need to congratulate you on that note. I hope and wish that this church celebrates its 100th jubilee as well. I would like to conclude my words saying this. Wish you all best jubilee. Thank you," said J R Lobo.
Later, after an introduction of the bishop by Fr Cyril, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was felicitated. "I congratulate everyone on this day. We needed the support of the parishioners to arrive at a successful celebration. I wish and pray to the almighty that the support may continue and all the members of this church grow together. Compared to other churches in our diocese which have completed over 300 years, we can say that this church is celebrating its jubilee today as a youth. May it grow old like others," he said. Fr Cyril was also felicitated for his service as the parish priest.
The jubilee celebration was organized by Fr Cyril Pinto, Parish Priest, Roshan D'Souza, vice-president, Shaila D'Souza, secretary, members from the parish pastoral council and golden jubilee committee.
The event was also telecast live on Daijiworld.com, sponsored by Leo Rodrigues and Family, Abu Dhabi.
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