Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (JD)
Udupi, May 28: Inauguration and blessing of the newly renovated St Anne’s Church Thottam was held on Tuesday, May 28. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, Diocese of Udupi blessed the renovated church building.
Fr Francis Cornelio, parish priest, Oswald Vaz, donor, Agnel Fernandes, vice-president, parish pastoral committee, Laveena Fernandes, secretary, parish pastoral committee, and others were present during the inauguration.
Fr Stephen D’Souza compeered the ritual ceremony.
In his homily the bishop said, “God should live with us. He never lived in the structure built for him by the people. King David was the first to think about building a premise to worship God. His dream was fulfilled by Solomon. Today it is indeed a great day for all the parishioners of Thottam church. The renovated church stands as a replica of their hard work and sacrifice. It is not only a structure built with stones and sand. It is also built with the emotions and feelings of the people. Indian culture gives utmost importance to the place of worship built for God. In every Indian religion ‘Devalaya’ (temple) is considered as a holy place”.
“Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did not get to see God 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 Eucharistic celebrations, felicitation programme was held.
Oswald Jude Vaz, Lewis Janet D’Souza, Pascal Colaco, Agnel D’Souza, Nanu Moral on behalf of Shakth Thottam, Dubai and other prime donors were felicitated by bishop on the occasion. Every family of the parish was honoured on the occasion for their selfless service in building the church.
Raghupathi Bhat, MLA of Udupi was the chief guest for the function. In his address Bhat said, "I have visited this church before the renovation. But today drastic changes have happened here. A community which prays together stays together. After the renovation of this church, all the people of Thottam will be blessed. I appreciate everyone who have rendered their service in building this church.”
“Udupi is a peaceful district. We have less number of communal violence incidents reported in our district. Christian community of our district has rendered their notable service in the field of education and health sector. The institutions by Christian community members are serving people of Udupi for more than a decade. I ensure that if the Christian community faces any difficulties, I am ready to help them at all times," he added. Raghupathi Bhat was honoured on the occasion by the bishop.
Fr Lewis Cutinho, first parish priest of the Thottam church was honoured on the occasion for his notable service in building the church since its inception.
To mark the inauguration celebration, the church donated Rs 50,000 to the Roshan D’souza to be used as part of the causes taken up by Humanity Trust (R).
Donors Deepak Fernandes, contractor and all the workers were honoured for their selfless services in completing the church renovation.
Fr. Francis Cornelio, parish priest and Agnel Fernandes, vice-president parish pastoral committee were also honoured on the occasion for their notable service.
In his presidential address Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi said, “Church is a place where the creator lives. When we wholeheartedly surrender to God, he blesses us abundantly. Church is not a worship place only for Christians but for all the community people residing here. Anyone can come and pray to God in this church. The church is built now. But building this church community into one family should be continued. The 18 commissions of Udupi diocese consider for the all-round development of people of diocese. This is a plan of Christ, not of mine. To make it successful every individual should contribute a little,” he said.
Fr. Francis Cornelio, parish priest, Fr Lawrence D’souza, rector of Udupi diocese, Fr Lewis Cutinho, former parish priest, Sr Rita Vaz, provincial Ursuline congregation, Agnel Fernandes, vice-president parish pastoral committee, Laveena Fernandes, secretary parish pastoral committee, Priya Rodrigues, convener 18 Commissions, Yogish Salian, councillor, Krishna Shetty, panchayat president were present on the occasion.
Fr Francis Cornelio, parish priest welcomed the gathering and Laveena Fernandes, secretary parish pastoral committee, rendered the vote of thanks.
Leslie Aroza and Jacintha Colaco compered the programme.
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