Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Dec 22: Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru diocese on Saturday December 21 inaugurated and blessed the newly-built St Antony's Church at Antonykatte, Bajpe here, and offered thanksgiving mass along with priests and devotees.
Fr Marcel Saldanha, vicar forane, Pejar deanary, and Fr Ronald Serrao, rector, Jeppu Seminary were the co-celebrants.
In his homily, the bishop said, “St Antony of Padua experienced the blessings of God and he shared this with others. God was also impressed with his nature of humanity and used him as an instrument of blessings. Thousands were healed by the prayer of St Antony and several miracles were done by him. Even after his death the miracles continued and people started to pray through St Antony and they felt they were getting everything they wished for.
"Today, thousands of churches have been built in the name of St Antony and we can see miracles in all these churches or shrines. Antonykatte had a small chapel, but on the demand of devotees it was converted as a church. Definitely this new church will become a place of miracles, harmony and peace," the bishop said.
Fr Edwin Francis Pinto, parish priest, rendered vote of thanks.
After the mass, a short stage programme was held. Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the programme. Umanath Kotian, MLA, Moodbidri-Kapu constituency, Ivan D'Souza, MLC, J R Lobo, former MLA, Joylus D'Souza, chairman, Christian Development Board, Ganesh R B, panchayat president, Bajpe, and Fr Marcel Saldanha graced the event as chief guests.
Congratulating the parish council and members of the church, Umanath Kotian said, "The newly-built church is a blessing for the people of Bajpe. This church is for all, and anyone can come here and offer their prayers. Despite various names and religions we are all one and believe in one God. We all believing in salvation after death. We built this chuch not for God, but for us. In the name of God we are assembling here and praying for good things. It enables us to experience the existence of God.
"As a people's representative, I am with the people of all communities. I am ready to provide all necessary help from the government to this church and to the Christian community," he added.
J R Lobo said, "I am request the bishop to declare St Antony's Church at Antonykatte as an independent church. It has all the requirements to become an independent church. When a church is built, its surroundings automatically develop. A church is not only a place for prayers, it becomes a part of life for the people who live near the church. Schools and other institutions come up in and around the church premises. I congratulate the people of Anthonykatte on this new church. There is no doubt this church will add a new dimension to this area."
Joylus D'Souza said, "Earlier many churches got funds from the Christian Development Committee. Now the development committee has upgraded to the level of board and government has appointed me as the chairman. I am happy to serve my people with new plans and assessments. The government has been allotting crores of funds to various communities as well as to Christians. But we have to use those funds to meet genuine needs. First of all, most of the people in our community are not aware about these funds and grants. I will try to create awareness among people about this and assure all help from the board."
In his presidential address, bishop Saldanha said, "Despite curfew and tight security, the police department allowed us to inaugurate the newly-built church. Various political leaders from our community coordinated with each other and succeeded in seeking permission from the officials. I sent a letter to our chief minister seeking relaxation of curfew and stating that Sunday was a holy day for Christians. I also mentioned that we would pray not only for us, but for people of other communities also, and we have always wanted peace in society. The chief minister accepted our request and directed the officials to grant relaxation in curfew on Sunday. I thank all political leaders and officials for their efforts to restore peace in society. The society listens to our community and respects us. We do not want any type of disturbance in society. Religion is secondary to us. First we believe in humanity. In India, narrow-minded thinking on religion, caste and creed is the major reason for violence and trouble. When we start to think that we are all humans, everything becomes normal and peaceful.
"Anthonykatte Church is a place that has always upheld communal harmony. It is a blessed place and people can worship here irrespective of caste, religion and creed. St Antony prays for all and does miracles for all," the bishop added.
During the programme Fr Edwin Francis Pinto, parish priest, donors, engineers and contractors who helped in building the church were felicitated by the bishop and the guests.
Fr Edwin Francis Pinto welcomed the gathering. Walter Montheiro, vice-president, parish council rendered vote of thanks. Roshan Mascarenhas, secretary was present on the dais.
Thereafter, 'Sangeetacho Dabazo' musical nite was held, wherein legendary singer, 'Sangeeth Samrat' Henry D'Souza, Konkani's 'Dream Boy' Rony D'Cunha, Daijiworld TV's MTG title winner Velita Lobo, singers Rainal Periera, Zeena Periera, enthralled the audience with their melodies voices. Roshan Crasta, Bela arranged the music for the show. Sanjay Rodrigues (keyboard), Melwyn Fernandes (rhythm pad) and Vijay Noronha (bass guitar) were the musicians.
Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld Media and Praveen Tauro, marketing manager, Daijiworld felicitated the singers and the musicians.
Artistes of Karmbar entertained the spectators with their dance numbers and comedy skits. Viola Pinto, Bajpe compered the event.