Media Release

Bengaluru, Aug 14: Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras of Bengaluru archdiocese on Sunday August 13 presided over a solemn and concelebrated Eucharist to mark the culmination of the post-centenary platinum jubilee of St Patrick’s Church.

In his homily, Archbishop Moras urged the devotees to be of service to people as service to the church is service to the people of God. He said, "We have a beautiful church built 175 years ago for the people of God to receive blessings from Him. It has been a source of blessing and salvation to all people of the parish, those in the city and those from outside who visited this place of worship. God worked for the good of all through the church. The number of people who received communion – the body and blood of Christ as nourishment for their spiritual life is innumerable. The number of those who received sacraments is countless." Masses of people commended their spirit into the hands of God to receive eternal reward for their services. People of other faiths who visited the church also received blessings in abundance.

Archbishop Moras who turned 76 on August 10 reminded the congregation that the reason for being present on that auspicious day is on account of the blessings received. What Jesus began and entrusted to Peter 2000 years ago must continue. "The jubilee celebrations must remind everyone that service of the church is indeed a service to the people." Dr Moras exhorted all to build a church community of faithful followers and clarified that this is not a structure, but a living community of the church. The archdiocese of Bengaluru has built a living church to give life to others. One must witness the glory of Christ through service to humanity.

Referring to the day’s readings, he said Peter jumped into the water to meet Jesus. In the context, Dr Moras narrated a story of a child caught up in a multi-storied building on fire. One could see people rushing out. This child was left alone in the smoke and dark. The father of the child who was otside the building heard his cry from the balcony of the building and asked him to jump down. The child told him that he could not see him, but the father said he could see the child and asked him once again to jump. The child jumped from the fifth floor with complete trust in his father and was saved.

"In acutality, we are like Peter. Peter said, 'Lord, if it is you, I shall come walking on water'. Peter at first thought it was a ghost. However, he recognized the words of Jesus. Many a time, we question God on the reasons for our problems, trials and difficulties. We need to know God allows them to happen. Nothing happens haphazardly. As Peter began to sink, Jesus asked him about his faith. Jesus helped him out with an outstretched hand." Archbishop Moras emphatically said every faithful Christian and Catholic must trust in the Lord. “The Lord will never, ever let us down. If Jesus is not present in our lives, in our families, we are sure to sink just as Peter and his friends crossed and sunk."

In his conclusion, the archbishop said, "During the 175th year of this church we shall profess our faith in our joy and sorrow."

Others present at the concelebration included Archbishop Robert Le Gall of Toulouse of France, Fr Bonal Henri, regional provincial of MEP in India, Msgr C Francis, vicar general and parish priest of St Patrick’s Church.

During a felicitation function soon after the Eucharist, St Patrick's Coffee Table Book to mark the 175 years milestone of the church was launched. A souvenir was also released on the occasion.

In his welcome address, Msgr C Francis presented a brief history of the parish. He said "St Patrick's Church, Bengaluru has completed 175 glorious years. To celebrate this milestone, a Coffee Table Book is launched, which unfolds the story of this dynamic Church (formerly a Cathedral), how it came into existence, the struggle of its founder fathers and the vibrant parish it is today. This is a model parish in India."

Msgr Francis said, "Archbishop Moras is a person of courage and commitment and has brought tremendous growth into the archdiocese." He eulogized the archbishop for all his hard work and achievements.

Describing the book, Msgr Francis said, "This multi-coloured book of about 148 pages captures the history of St Patrick in all its uniqueness right from the Grant of Land, the initial construction of the church, its subsequent expansion and the architectural marvel it presents today in the heart of central Bengaluru. The book also gives interesting historical details about the growth of this vibrant parish over the ages. The Coffee Table Book chronicles the origin and growth of the Catholic Church in Bengaluru. It showcases rare photographs and contains detailed historical information that provide excellent insight into everyday life of those early times.The team that worked hard for the book includes Col Christopher Rego (retd), Pramodh Naidu, Marianne De Nazareth, Ryan Lobo and Gregory De Nazareth."

While launching the coffee Table Book, Archbishop Moras lauded Msgr C Francis and his team on their efforts and thanked him and his collaborators. He thanked all concerned on his behalf as well as the people of the archdiocese and all the priests. Dr Moras also honoured Msgr C Francis, parish priest and MsgrS Jayanathan, vicar general and former parish priest. He mentioned the shifting of the cathedral to the present location and change of name to St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. He said "The services rendered are more beautiful than the church itself. The service St Patrick’s Church renders reflects on what the church does in the state as a whole.

Those present on the occasion included Dominic Mc Allister, British deputy high commissioner, Francois Gautur, consul general of France, Claudia Brueske, deputy consul general of Republic of Germany, Blaz Strasser, consul general of Switzerland, Kamal Pande, DGP, polic administration and Charles Lobo postmaster general of Karnataka. All special invitees and guests were presented shawls and garlands.

Coffee Table Book, autographed by Archbishop Moras, was auctioned for Rs 1,25,000. The highest bidder was Francis Pinto. The bidding began with Rs 50,000.

Archbishop Robert Le Gall from France released a souvenir on the occasion. Gregory De Nazareth presented a slideshow with rare photos of the past and elaborated the content. Col Christopher Rego spoke on the background of the Coffee Table Book and about the contributors. Fernandez spoke on the outreach programme of St Patrick’s at Kadisenahalli. Fr Joseph, the parish priest, presented the prevailing situation.

Students of Good Shepherd and youth of St Patrick’s performed dances. Members of the parish sang a group song. Mark Rego compered the function attended by a large gathering of people. Prizes were distributed for the bible quiz conducted towards the beginning. Wilma Pinto, secretary, parish council, proposed the vote of thanks.