Mangalore: ‘Frad Saib’ of Cordel Church Remembered by All
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Pics: Cyril Fernandes, Urwa/Praveen Tauro
Mangalore, Dec 11: Fr Alexander Dubois, French Friar who was regarded by native Mangaloreans as ‘Frad Saib’ of Franco Cordel, locally known as Kulshekar and by others as ‘Kullerda Ajjer’ laid the foundation stone of the then Holy Cross Church, Cordel on September 14, 1873. He was a devout catholic priest who inspired several people to embrace Christianity owing to his personal charisma, in and around the city. His mausoleum at the significant place around the church complex being flocked by people of all faiths while few take away the pinches of soil from his grave who believe that it has miraculous powers to heal the diseases. The locals have legendary tales on ‘Frad Saib’ who used to visit their household in the evenings, in order to recite family rosary. Moreover, he has spread the special devotion to ‘sacred heart of Jesus’ among the natives.
‘Frad Saib’ had laid the foundation stone for Holy Cross Church, Cordel when he was serving as parish priest at Milagres Church, located in heart of the town. The symbolic procession of few construction materials was held from Milagres to Cordel Church. However, on December 11, a similar procession took place from Milagres to Cordel with a difference. It was ‘Frad Saib's’ funeral procession. On that day his mortal remains were deposited in the sanctuary close to the in-completed church. Since then, his venerated grave became a permanent feature of Cordel. Even today after 130 years of his death, December 11 is being observed as `Frad Saib’s Day'.
Accordingly, on Tuesday, December 11, the Holy Eucharistic Mass was offered at 5:30 p m, by Fr Walter Mendonca, SVD, parishioner from Assumption ward while homily was delivered by Fr Alex Noronha, assistant parish priest of Cathedral Church, Rosario. Eucharistic procession was held at 6:15 p m. Adoration and festal blessings was held at 7:30 p m.
The large number of parishioners including several priests and nuns from across the city and suburbs attended the occasion and being blessed by ‘Frad Saib’s’ miraculous powers.
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