Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, May 26: The silver jubilee celebrations of Sacred Heart Church, Yermal was held on Friday, May 25.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese, was the main celebrant in Eucharistic Mass. In his homily he said, “In the last 25 years, we have been blessed by Almighty God. Today, we need to thank Him for all His blessings. Jubilee means celebration,”
“The 50th year is a year of celebration for Jews. According to Bible, jubilee includes five aspects. It is a commemoration, it is a call for sacrifice, it is an occasion for compromise, it is to walk on the path of Jesus, and also, jubilee is a celebration. Today, we have to commemorate the history of last 25 years. On this jubilee year, Jesus calls us to purify ourselves. Those who follow Jesus will be walking on His path,” he added.
The jubilee celebration programme was a stage for religious harmony. Representatives from all three religions were present on the dais and gave their message.
John Wesley Kunder, pastor, CSI Bethel Church, Muloor said, “The church has a very small number of families. Small churches are loved one for Jesus. This church is the heart of Jesus Christ. Let this church be a model to this region,”
Vedamurthy K V Raghavendra, Archaka of Sri Mahalaxmi temple Uchila, said, “Without the blessings of priests, any work will not be successful. Priest of this church plays a very special role in the development of this church. Daily prayers are conducted here. We are living like friends,”
Dr Sheikh Mohammad Irfan, Ayush medical officer said, “A virus named ‘Communal fever’ is spreading all over the country rapidly. A simple treatment for this disease is to learn about each other’s religions and respect them. Humanity is the first religion. This church is a center of peace and harmony,”
Fr Valerian Mendonca, chancellor of Udupi diocese said, “Rome was not built in a day, likewise, this church. Many have struggled to build this church. Brotherhood and humanity are the real qualities of our land. Let us live according to it.”
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo presided over the function. He said, “Heart resembles love. This church is dedicated to Sacred Heart of Jesus. The parishioners here have also sacrificed much to develop this church. Let us love each other and live according to the sayings of Jesus,”
Patrons of the function, former vice-presidents of pastoral committee, priests who served in the church in the previous years, priests and nuns of the church who are serving in other places and present parish priest Fr Lawrence Rodrigues, were felicitated on the occasion.
Msgr Baptist Menezes, vicar general of Udupi diocese, Sharlet Furtado, vice-president, parish pastoral council, Nagarathna Karkera, president, Bada grama panchayat, Yermal, and Gangadhar Karkera, general secretary, Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha were also present.
Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO, Udupi diocese compered the programme.
Priests from all over the diocese and parishioners took part in the celebrations.