Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)
Kasargod, May 14: The blessing and inauguration of St Lawrence Church, Permude and its belfry was held on Tuesday, May 14. Mangaluru Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was welcomed at the church entrance by parish pastoral council under the leadership of parish priest Fr Melwin Fernandes. Dominican provincial Fr Navin Saldanha and the bishop inaugurated the belfry. The bishop rang the new church bell and blessed it. The bishop later blessed the new church. Kasargod deanery chief priest Fr John Vas Kayyar and Christ The King Church parish priest Fr Victor D’ Souza were present.
Parish priests of various churches in Kasargod deanery, Mangaluru diocese and Dominican congregation offered first mass led by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha. Fr Melwin Fernandes read the bible. The bishop in his homily said that Christ will not allow destruction of our bodies that are cleansed by his blood. “Though there is entire nature to proclaim his glory, he desires to be in the tiny dwelling built by us,” he said. All the saints were remembered. The tabernacle of the Holy Communion was blessed. Dr Vijay Machado compered the programme.
Fr Pratick Pereira, priests who have served in the Kayyar Christ The King Church, Fr Lawrence Rodrigues, Fr Anil D’ Souza, Dominican congregation’s Dr Sunil Lobo Kollangana, priests from various churches in Kasargod deanery, priests from Mangaluru diocese, nuns and catholic community members were present.
Lavina Preeti Crasta read brief history of the church in the formal function at the hall, held as part of church inauguration. Delivering the presidential address, Mangaluru bishop said that several miracles will take place here in the name of St Lawrence. “May the church help in the betterment of Christians, non-Christians and others here,” Permude church parish priest Fr Melwin Fernandes said in his introductory speech.
‘Permudecho Pormol’ souvenir was released by the bishop by handing it over to Kasargod deanery chief priest Fr John Vas. Mangaluru bishop Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Dominican provincial Fr Navin Saldanha, Kayyar church priest Fr Victor D’Souza who set in motion the church construction project, building engineer Paulson Correa Ernakulam, Navin Ranjith D’ Souza who helped in several church activities were felicitated. Fr Melwin Fernandes was honored with fruits and flowers on behalf of the parishioners.
Kasargod deanery Fr John Vas said that the church construction was possible as people kept aside a portion of their food for the construction. “Masses and prayers should be held daily in the church, now that it is ready. May the almighty bless us through St Lawrence,” he said.
Kayyar church parish priest Fr Victor D’ Souza said that we are only the tools of the almighty. “Mother Theresa said that he writes on us. May the trust of humanity be revived and our beliefs grow. St Lawrence who lived in third century was concerned about the poor. May he bless us,” he said.
Puthige panchayat president Aruna J and Paivalike panchayat president Bharathi J Shetty spoke on the occasion. Church secretary of pastoral council John D’ Souza presented the report. Kayyar Vijaya Jesuraja convent superior C Monthin Gomes, Puthige panchayat member Shanti D’ Souza, Paivalike panchayat member M K Ameer, Harish Bottary, Kayyar Christ The King parish pastoral council vice president John D’ Souza, secretary Roshan D’ Souza were present. Permude Church pastoral council vice president Denis D’ Souza proposed vote of thanks. Silvia and Daphne compered the programme. Mementos were presented to the church building contractor and those who helped with donations for the construction.
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