Pics: Jerry Kinnigoli
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Feb 21: The platinum jubilee celebrations of St Roque's Church, Neerude, began with all grandeur at the Church premises, here on Friday, February 21.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru, was the main celebrant for the thanksgiving Mass.
In the introductory message, the bishop said, "The Lord through St Roque has blessed, protected and guided us in every step from the past 75 years. St Roque is the source of energy for our faith in God. Truly, he gave himself for the services of the Lord. Let us take him as an example in our day-to-day life."
Large number of priests, religious sisters and devotees took part in the Eucharistic celebration.
The formal stage programme was inaugurated by Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, who presided over the ceremony. Fr Mathew Vas, vicar var of Kinnigoli deanery and Sr Cicilia Mendonca, provincial superior, Bethany Congregation were chief guests of the function.
Dr Narendra Rai Derla, professor, Government First Grade College Bellare, Ivan D’Souza, MLC, Joylus D’Souza, chairman, Christian Development Board, Mishal Queeni D’Costa, assistant commissioner, Mumbai Customs and GST, Fr Assisi Rebello, parish priest, and Fr Arun J Mendonca, assistant parish priest, were present on the dais. Vice-president Felix Pinto, secretary Monica Rodrigues, and convener of jubilee committee Oswald D'Souza were also present.
Delivering the presidential address in the formal programme, the bishop said, “I congratulate all parishioners of the church for completing 75 faithful years. It is the jubilee of togetherness, harmony and social service. This celebration gives a message to the society. It gives a message of unity and faithful living. The priests and lay leaders followed the footsteps of St Roque to build a community with faith and humanity. Because of this, numbers of vocations arose from here. Many reached various corners of the world and transformed themselves as pride of Neerude. Now, they are the role models for the youth of Neerude."
In his keynote address, Dr Narendra Rai Derla said, "This event should be written in the golden annals of the history of Neerude. This church has continuously catered to the spiritual and social needs of the people. I am lucky to be chosen to deliver the keynote address here. Humanity and harmony brings people together and it binds the hearts. When a person becomes the instrument to correct mistakes, he carries a message of understanding. In current society, understanding is very important. The habit of knowing each other and love for each other makes us great humans."
Mishal Queeni, former parish priests, religious sisters, lay leaders and benefactors were felicitated on this occasion.
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