Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Feb 14: “If one wants to lead a life of happiness and contentment, he needs to be guilt-free and god-fearing. For getting such a pure state of mind, people have to make changes in their lifestyles. More and more such churches should be set up, to guide people towards lading a pure life,” said supreme spiritual head of Jacobite Syrian Churches in India, His Beatitude Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas 1st. He was speaking after presiding over a religious meeting organized on Saturday February 12, on the occasion of the blessing and consecration of the newly built St Ignatius Jacobite Syrian Church in Shibaje near here.

“Centres of prayer are the focal points of continuous growth in life. Every individual should emulate prayer centres, by sincerely following the ideals of Jesus Christ in their lives. The Indian culture, where people of all communities, religions and groups, are treated as one, is the most sublime in the entire universe,” said Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, who inaugurated the meeting programme.

Former MP, Vinayakumar Sorake, Ullal MLA, U T Khader, former chairman of Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation, Ivan D’Souza, Angamaly Bishop, Mathes Mor Fare, EAI Karnataka Bishop Marcos Mor Chrisastamos, Bishop of Australia, Paulose Mor Iranius, Mangalore Bishop, Yakob Mor Antonios, vicar general of Beltangady diocese, Rev Fr Joseph Valiayaparambil, Puttur diocese vicar general, Rev Fr George Kalayil, who were at the dais, also conveyed their best wishes.

After the meeting, blessing of the church was conducted. First phase of blessing was conducted on Saturday, while the second phase was performed on Sunday.

A number of priests, and other officials, participated in the programmes.