Memories of Pope John Paul II's Visit to Bajpe

May 1, 2011

The first Pope to visit India came to Mangalore and addressed an audience of several lacs from a specially erected platform at Bajpe on February 6, 1986.

The Pope, Pope John Paul II, is scheduled to be declared "Blessed" on May 1, 2011 as a prelude to canonization as saint. Recently, Mangalore Catholics marked the silver jubilee of the Pope’s visit by erecting a memorial tablet on the stage from which he addressed the vast audience. The 30-acre site that was lined up for the Pope’s visit and address was secured with great amount of persuasion, and generous response, from 22 plot holders in Kolambe village, 1.5 Km from Bajpe airport where the Pope landed.

As a resident of Kolambe, and a member of the core group of local organizers, I have nursed fond nostalgia of the Pope’s visit and feel proud to recall those days for the benefit of the younger generation to coincide with the two landmarks – silver jubilee of the Pope’s visit and his being declared "Blessed".

In September 1985, as I was getting back from my Merry Stores to my home, I saw a person in white robe walking in a vegetable and chilli farm. I recognized the person in white robe as Bishop Basil D’Souza of Mangalore. I wondered why the bishop would visit that plot.

A few days later I met the Bishop and he informed me that there would be a big programme in that plot. Since he was my second cousin he would visit my old mother occasionally and since he knew that I was a member of Land Tribunal of this zone he asked me to get information of 30 acres of land in and around that plot for the Pope’s visit. The Bishop was aware that this plot was close to my house; I knew the farmers since I had helped them through the land tribunal. The 30-acre area was owned by 22 families. Out of those, 10 acres was the site where platform for Pope’s visit was erected.

I remember, the parish priest, Fr J J Saldhana, assistant priest, Fr Victor D’Souza, Alfred D’Cunha, Bajpe had toiled for the purpose. Gratian Aroza Pai was the administrator of the parish council and John Moras was the secretary during that period. Along with them, I was on the organizing committee of this great event.

Bajpe got the opportunity mainly because, during that period, Bangalore was boiling with the conflict between Kannadiga and Tamil Christian population. As the meeting site was just within 1.5 Km from Bajpe Airport, we were lucky to have the Pope visit us. The head of 800 million Catholics was coming from Rome; it was indeed a great event for all of us.

The land belonging to 22 families that was marked for the Pope’s visit had vegetable gardens. Fr Saldhana was given the authority to assure the families that the sites taken for the purpose would be returned as they are, with boundary walls restored.

To organize the visit, a Pope visit organizing committee was formed consisting of 72 coordinators from Karnataka region. Monsgneur Alexander D’Souza, vicar general, was the president of this committee. He should be applauded for the smoothness with which he carried on the whole process and made the mega event successful and memorable.

We were a few laity from Bajpe - John Moras, Alfred D’Cunha, Gratian Aroza Pai and me - who worked together with the Parish clergy. There used to be regular meetings of the organizing committee in Bishop’s House and the suggestions given by the Bajpe members were well taken by the bishop and co-members and also by the DC, DIG, SP and others.

This site lacked drinking water, the geologists had ruled out the possibilities of water source in the area. However, I suggested to the bishop that Soans of Moodbidri would show the source of water. He was brought in and a borewell was dug - the expenses were borne by the organizing committee funds. It has ample water even now - after 25 years. At present the borewell is in the ownership of Manohar Malli, a builder who, having bought the land, is promoting Abhiman Pope’s Layout.

I am proud to say that if the stage is untouched till date, I had a role in it. The originally selected stage spot was about 10 metres south from the present spot. However, the families who owned the land to be used as platform for the Pope delayed giving permission. When the team of chief secretary and DGP Garudachar arrived when the bishop had gone to Delhi, I took a risk to shift to the present spot which belonged to Jerome D’Souza. Had we not done this, we would have had to return the site to its owner which would have meant dismantling the stage, as per the terms for the use of all these plots. The stage remained untouched because it was sanctioned for Jerome D’Souza in the Land Tribunal. So the stage is safe!

During that period I had taken Merry Stores to run on contract, and since it had the phone facility (rare in Bajpe in those days), it served as an office, as I had to contact the officials concerned and priests involved over phone and personally.

On the day of the Pope’s visit, travellers from far had come at 8 am itself. People could not take eatables or anything inside the venue as there was tight security. Though we had made drinking water provision, it was not adequate inside the venue. However, the local families gave water to the people while returning, which touches my heart even now.

Malli has given 7 cents of the stage to the Diocese. He has named it as "Abhiman Pope’s Layout".

"Namaan zaanv Jezu Christak" said Pope John Paul II in Konkani when he paid his historical visit to Mangalore on February 6, 1986. "E Dina Karnatakada Mangaluru nagaradalli nimma madhye hajaragi nimmannu kaanalu nanage tumba santhosha aguthade" said the Pope to the applause of 5 lac people assembled to welcome him to Bajpe. The audience was amazed when Pope said, "Eshwaranalli vishwasa eruvavaru dhanyaru". Recalling the selfless contribution of Jesus Christ towards mankind, he said, "Somiyan amchya madhen vishesh karyan kelyanth". Speaking about India’s progress, he said, "Tho tumcha kutumbank ani rastracha karyancher ashirwadisundi". He blessed the people by saying "sath ani mog ekvat asdundi, somesthank devanchen besavn".

"Jiyon jiyon papa amcho, Laamb jiyon papa amcho" was the response by five lac people who were waiting expectantly near the platform situated 1.5kms away from the Mangalore Airport. People had come from all parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala for this historic event. There was a disciplined vehicle parking system, Government bus facilities, medical facilities including blood banks and ambulances, licensed food counters and drinking water facility. People were given proper information and guidance by the trained volunteers. There was separate gallery for photographers and the Press.

The stage was built in a unique style - 12 feet high resembling a Cross. The backdrop contained jasmine and yellow coloured flowers. A special high chair  was kept in the centre of the stage for the Pope. There were red carpets all over the approach paths and the ground was covered with multi-coloured flags. The pendal was decorated with white and yellow coloured cloth. "Pope jagathgurugalige swagatha, Bharathavu nimmannu preethinda swagatisutade" were the words on the welcome banners. A tri-colour balloon at 60 feet height looked very impressive. People with trumpets, drums, classical instruments were present to welcome the Pope.

Many visitors had come to the venue the previous day itself. There was tight security. People appreciated the arrangements made by the organizers of the programme. The moving crowd seemed like the rivers in full spate. Controlling the crowd was a challenge to the Police; but they were successful in their mission.

An announcement was made at 2.45 pm that the Pope had arrived at the Mangalore airport and would be reaching the podium in 10 minutes. At 3 PM sharp he arrived at the venue in a special car. He stood in an Open Jeep and went around the ground and blessed the people. He addressed the gathering saying: "Pithana suthana mattu pavithra athmana naamadalli".

The Pope was welcomed by the Bishop of Mangalore who was the chief architect of this historic event. The Pope blessed the gathering again at 3.20 pm. He blessed 2 black granite slabs, one of which is displayed on the wall of the Bajpe Church. At 3.55 pm prayer service was conducted by various diocese heads in English, Kannada, Tulu and Konkani.

At 4.05 pm, the Pope announced in Kannada:"Mangalurige bandu naanu theevra ananda gondidhene, nimmellarannu devaru harasali". After this the choir sang hymns in praise. And when Pope blessed the crowd for the last time, people shouted "Pope Chirayuvagali".

At 4.10 pm he blessed the aged people and physically challenged patients and consoled them. I was fortunate to see him very close during this.

The choir members released the white doves as a symbol of love and peace. Then the Pope waved to the vast throng and returned to the airport while the people chorused: "Long Live Our Holy Father".

Pope John Paul II kept his first footsteps in Kolambe village, travelled in a car and then in an open Jeep in Kolambe, stood on dais in front of 5 lac people in Kolambe, blessed everyone in Kolambe. These are the moments I will always cherish because I am a proud resident of Kolambe village.

By Vincent Pinto
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Comment on this article

  • Errol Moras, Bajpe

    Sun, May 08 2011

    The Infant Jesus Shrine at Kolambe in the vicinity of Pope Grounds is a befitting monument to commemorate Pope visit to Bajpe

  • feLix lobo, Bajpe/saudi arabia

    Sat, May 07 2011

    Good job and article.Thank you very much for making us recalling those wonderfull memories.

  • Preethi, m'lore / qatar

    Sat, May 07 2011

    Each time I visit Bajpe (M'lore) Airport, I never forget to see the stage where our Beloved Pope stood. I really feel Delighted to see that Auspicious Place again & again. I feel blessed.

    Blessed Pope John Paul II pray for Us.

  • Shridhar, Mangalore

    Sat, May 07 2011

    When Pope came to Mangalore I was studying in Sunkadakatte polytechnic. It was really a memorable and festive moment for us. Our college friends had a Stall for selling tender coconut and ice creams just adjacent (opposite police station..) to the stage..

  • John B.Moras, Bajpe

    Fri, May 06 2011

    Wonderful article. Congratulations. Vincent was also instrumental in securing a grant of land from the Govt for the benefit of Christian families whose lands were acquired for the extension of Bajpe Airport.This land measuring 70 cents, situated in Kolambe Village and adjacent to the Pope visit site was earmarked for construction of church/community hall/crematorium. A shrine dedicated to Infant Jesus has come up on this site which attracts lot of devotees from far and wide. Mass is being offered in this Shrine on every Thursday and on one Sunday in a month. My friend Vincent was behind this liaising with Revenue/Local authorities and Mangalore Diocese.

  • Mr. Vincent Pinto, Kolambe, Bajpe

    Fri, May 06 2011

    Thank you all for your opinions and comments.
    It's my duty to thank Mr. John Monteiro for having guided me to bring out this article, Gregory and Vijay Fernandez for inspiring me.
    My first write-up came up to 30 pages in konkani and when I approached the konkani magazines, and i was not encouraged. I'm grateful to daijiworld team for publishing this article. Only the highlights of my original work (i.e., 2 pages) are put up here.
    Many of my well-wishers like Fr. Alexander D'souza, Fr. Victor D,souza,Mr. John Monteiro are insisting me to publish a book in konkani regarding this event. It will possible only by your support.
    For further info contact: vinrosegardens@gmail.com

  • Jessie Pereira-Rodrigues, Bajpe\Canada

    Thu, May 05 2011

    Dear Vincy, what a beautiful write-up on Pope¨s visit. A well detailed article, and a good collection of photographs. I am proud of my relative and a fellow Kolambian! Good luck with all the good deeds you do in Bajpe!

  • Jossie Mascarenhas, Bajpe / Dubai

    Thu, May 05 2011

    Nice article Vincent which evoked nostalgia. My house is just a stone’s throw from the Pope’s visit site. I can still remember our house was full with overnight guests that day. Some were known relatives, some were relatives of relatives and some were friends of the relatives of relatives, all were there. It was great fun.

    Incidentally, I heard Mr. Gratian Arouza Pai had a unfortunate fall recently and badly injured and is undergoing treatment. I request all those who remember Pope may also remember Mr. Pai in their prayers for his quick recovery. May God bless you Mr. Pai.

  • Basil, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Thu, May 05 2011

    I heard you have done great services in the area,Mr.Pinto.I have one suggeastion to you.The bus stand at Karambar is fully covered with all posters and cannot be seen its name.Earlier "Anthony Katte"was seen clearly.It will be great if you can do something about it.All the best.

  • Austin Santhosh, Haleangadi/Bahrain

    Thu, May 05 2011

    Dear Vincent Pinto - very good article. I still remember that day! I was in India on my first holidays after I moved to Bahrain. I had attended the function. I remember - a lot of Kannada and Konkani words said him in his speech. It was a huge gathering.

  • Peter, Brahmavar/Sharjah

    Thu, May 05 2011

    'Abhiman Pope' layout will become place of miracles soon.

  • Nelly Fernandez, Bangalore

    Wed, May 04 2011

    Thank you Vincy for helping us relive that memorable great day through the wonderful photographs and your personal recollection. I cannot forget the steady flow of people on all the roads leading to the venue of the papal visit from the early hours of the morning to the end of the day with a short break of 30 minutes in between. We consider ourselves extremely privileged to see the beatified Pope so close up in person, and pray for his early sainthood.

  • Mervyn , Kolambe-Bajpe

    Wed, May 04 2011

    Thank you my dear granduncle, for providing me Pope John Paul II's visit to Bajpe with interesting pictures and information through which i came to know this great historical event...............
    though i wasn't born at that time to see him, these pictures gave me all the information about the Blessed Pope's visit and the preparation made to recieve him in our village(Kolambe) and your efforts behind it. Thank you and congratulations!!!
    May the Beatified Pope may become a Saint soon and bless all of us.

  • Franky D Silva, Managalore, UAE

    Tue, May 03 2011

    A real incident narrated very nicely by Mr. Vincent Pinto. Congrats! Pope John Paul II was a holy man and we Mangaloreans were blessed with his historical visit. Now that he (Pope John Paul II) has been d as "BLESSED",we feel really great.

  • Adrian Gomes, Shirva / Kuwait

    Tue, May 03 2011

    A big thank you to Mr. Vincent Pinto for recollecting those memories of the visit of Pope John Paul II to Mangalore. I too have very fond memories of being there playing the Trumpet in the St. Aloysius College Band during the Popes visit to Bajpe and hence being able to see the pontiff from a very close distance of perhaps 3 meters where he passed on his open vehicle. I still remember the Road from the airport until the Stage / platform / venue which was perhaps better than a flight runway which never even vibrated a vehicle which passed over that area since it was done by a company from Bombay.

    The Late Pope has been an inspiration to millions of people irrespective of their religion / nationality and his life has been a example of simplicity, righteousness, friendship, discipline and sacrifice for his people. No one in today’s world would do such deeds as him, going to the prison to visit and forgive the person who tried to assassinate him. We are all proud that this great person but a simple human being has been beatified as Blessed and hope that Sainthood will be bestowed on him very soon.

  • Jess and Malcolm Miranda, Ann Arbor, USA

    Tue, May 03 2011

    Dear uncle,
    We were glad to read this article of yours. When we had visited your home along with uncle Rony in Sep 2010, you were describing us about Pope's visit. We are glad that you were one of the committee members..
    The article is very impressive and pictured very well.
    Its a great work. Wishes from all of us from Miranda family

  • Veena Rosario, Mangalore

    Tue, May 03 2011

    Thanks Uncle...This sure would have been a great experience for you ..The stage from where pope addressed the gathering is a historic spot and should be made a protected space. Thanks for letting me know about this article

  • Regi Fernandes, Barkur/Dubai

    Tue, May 03 2011

    Thanks to Mr.Vincents for his wonderful article about the Memories of Pope John Paul II's Visit to Bajpe. It is great event in the history of Mangalore which we can cherish and treasure forever in our life.

  • Fredrick Castelino, Udyavara

    Tue, May 03 2011

    I am very happy to say that I was one of the visitors from Udyavara to Bajpe for the historic event. From 3 full buses we went to Bajpe with happiness and cheers filled in our hearts. Though it was total 60 Kms of distance to cover on a very hot summer, we were not at all tired on the occasion because we saw the cheerful face of our late Pope. Still I remember the day. Thanks to the author of this article who refreshed our memory once again.

  • Fr Victor Dsouza, Karkal Attur/Pethri

    Mon, May 02 2011

    Congratulations to dear Mr Vincent Pinto.You have toiled selflessly towards the successful visit of Blessed Pope John Paul II.Working with the organizing committee was one of the most cherished moments of my life as an Asst Parish priest of Bajpe.I also appreciate the then parish youth and children who actively took part in arranging ground facilities. But I feel sorry that it took so long to receive significant importance of this historical event.

  • Mathew Valder, MRPL/Muscat

    Mon, May 02 2011

    Very nice & informative article by Mr. Vincent Pinto (my God Father)which gave a flash back of 1986. Thanks a lot dear Podorn. You are the befitting person for writing this article.

    I was the volunteer on that day and I am still preserving my badge as a relic, the value of which goes up every passing year.

    "Jiyon jiyon Papa Amcho, Laamb Jiyon Papa Amcho" in our own mother tongue (Konkani) was truly memorable, although one "VIP" leading the community pronounced it wrongly which was dampening the spirit on that moment. Thanks to the one who snatched that mike from his hand and pronounced in pure/correct Konkani.

  • Adrian Saldanha, Bendore, Mlore

    Mon, May 02 2011

    First of all i would like to congratulate Mr.Pinto for reliving those memories of Pope John Paul IIs visit to Mlore. I have very fond memories of being a volunteer during the Popes visit to Bajpe and being able to see him from a close view. Then itself his face looked so radiant and Holy and it was quit obviuos that he would achieve greatness.The Late Pope has been an inspiration to millions of people irrespective of their religion and nationality and his life has been a example of righteouness,friendship, discipline and scarifice for his people, specially his support for democracy in Poland and the reunification of the Germanys.We all are proud that this simple human being has been beatified as Blessed and hope that Sainthood will bestowed on him very soon.

  • John DSilva, Karkala/Mumbai

    Mon, May 02 2011

    Its truly memorable article. It will help the posterity to know the beautiful past history - a memorable Popes visit. One full plot in the layout of at least 20cents should have purchased and built a very befitting memorial to Pope. Its not too late.let us rise to the occasion and join together for the noble cause.

  • Sarita D'Souza, Valencia / Kuwait

    Mon, May 02 2011

    The people's Pope. Probably the most loving and most loved Pope. Pray that he is canonised as a Saint soon

  • Roshan Braganza, udyavara

    Mon, May 02 2011

    It just feels like it happened last year . Time went so fast , by the way i remember pope greeted the crowd in konkani.

  • agnes rodrigues , mangalore

    Mon, May 02 2011

    i was in the choir group and had a opportunity to see him at a close distance. yes it is a wonderful and memorable day of my life.

  • prescilla, mangalore

    Mon, May 02 2011

    Nice and timely article about blessed Pope. I always remember that great day when I pass that place and stage which is a monument now. Thanks uncle Vincent for the detailed article with pictures.

  • T S Thomas, Colombo

    Sun, May 01 2011

    A good article, timely and inspirational.Congrats!

  • taurojohn, mangalore/malad/NIGERIA

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Vincent its great, May God bless you and all who made this great event possible by lending or donating their lands. may they and their families receive great rewards ,as Pope john paul will bless them from above.

  • Mary Rodrigues-Smith, Milagres, Mangalore/London, UK

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Excellent article Mr Vincent Pinto & pics. I'm afriad Pope Paul VI was the first Pope to visit India during the Eucharistic Congress in Bombay during December-January 1964-65. My brothers & I were among the fortunate to see him at the Oval Maidan, especially, when he officiated the Sacraments of Ordination & Matrimony. I can still visualise it after all these years.

    You must have been very thrilled to meet Pope John Paul II, the first Pope who visited Mangalore at Bajpe on 6 Feb 1986 & that date & the function will remain in your memory & all those who visited him on that day, forever.

    May the Blessed Pope John Paul II bless us all & enable us to live side by side with communal & religious harmony.

  • Dr.Manohar D'Cunha Prabhu, Bajpe(Mangalore)/Kuwait

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Dear Uncle Vincy, thank you for bringing back those wonderful memories of the Papal Vist on the 6th of February 1986.
    Thank you for remembering the efforts of the then parish priest of Bajpe Fr.JJ Saldanha,Fr.Victor,Uncle Moras,My Dad Mr.Alfred D'Cunha and Uncle Gration whos Black Amby"MYX 9990"would have covered thousands of kilometers to organise this event.There are many other parishoners from Bajpe and sorrounding parishes and other well known people from Mangalore city and other far off places who had joined hands to make this occasion a very meaningful one.
    The Pope on a white Jeep driven by Mr.V U Seemon is still fresh in my mind.
    I also remember the truck loads of tender coconuts and the then luxuary drinks like Thumps up ,Limca,Goldspot ,dixi cola and torino flooding all over Bajpe...

    Nice to see this write up with pictures on a day that our Late pontiff is been raised to the alter and d Blessed!!!

  • Clara Lewis, Kemmannu/Dubai

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Very good write up about Memories of Pope John Paul II Visit to Bajpe,
    Today 01-05-2011, onwards Pope John Paul II is called 'Blessed John Paul II', this morning he is beatified by Pope Benedict XVI. Today also Divine Mercy feast, Saint Faustina Kowalska, A polish Nun was beatified on April 18, 1993 and was canonized on April 30, 2000 by Pope John Paul II, from her Diary, she records promises connected with the Devotion to the Divine Mercy -"To Priests who proclaim My mercy, I will give wondrous power and touch the hearts of those to who they will speak."

  • Ronald D. Saldanha, Nejar/Kallianpur Mt.Rosary/Sharjah

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Dear Mr. Vincent Pinto thank you very much for this wonderful article.It was a flash back and reliving a wonderful moment of my life.I feel I am fortunate one to see two blessed ONES of our time very closely.During Pope's visit I i was in the choir group from Mt.Rosary Church Kallianpur,I saw Blessed Pope from the distence of few feet (May be 5-6 feet).My brother Kenedy was in the ocean of crowed was in 8th Std.then could not see Pope,A police who was on the elevated flatform took him up and gave his binacular to see Pope.I even had a rare opportunity to meet Blessed Mother Theresa at Dum Dum Airport(Kolkota)and give her a bouquet.Once again thank you very much for the lovely article.I m proud to be part of that wonderful day n moment thank you very much.Fr. Wilson W D,souza thank you very much for making me a part of that choir.Blessed Pope PRAY FOR US ALL....

  • Lawrieaab(Alvares)_, Bajpe/Borivli

    Sun, May 01 2011

    I read your excellent article with photographs on Pope John Paul's visit to Bajpe and imagine myself standing in front of my house as Pope was passing through. My late mother also gave me a full account of the pope's visit when I visited her later. I would still want to see the stage. Regards

  • Rajesh Sequeira, Cordel, Dubai

    Sun, May 01 2011

    you just reminded me the days ...vincent. i was there in the St aloysius band and that day we had left white doves since this doves had been in the cage for the whole day without food they couldnt fly and i had almost had 4 doves in my house. it was a very nice expereince . one of our good friend from cordel judith was lucky to meet the pope. very nice article vincent

  • Edwina, Bajpe-Muscat

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Nice article Mr. Vincent Pinto. It helped me to recollect the Great day and the arrangements made for such a big crowd!I congratulate each & every person involved and definitely your contribution, to make this great event successful. May God Bless You all.

  • M D Souza, Bajpe

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Nice article Mr. Pinto. As far as i know Mr. Gration Arouza Pai, Mr. Alfred D' Cunha were 2 people who worked extensively for this occasion. I remember gration uncle along with the Bishop making all the arrangements and his name is not be forgotten along with others who have toiled for Popes visit

  • Max & Jessie Rasquinha, Mangalore, Houston/Dallas

    Sun, May 01 2011

    The beatification of Blessed Pope John Paul II will bring greater joy to Mangalore because he visited our home town as a "Pilgrim Pope". He blessed the land and met the people and left his footprints so that people of Mangalore regardless of their individual faith can live with peace and harmony.

    Papal visits to secular India have been the landmarks of our history that have caused global admiration towards India. Our leaders have showed special respects for Vatican and our nation has received all the support from the faithful.

    May God continue His blessings towards India so that we may cherish our spirit of secular values and render all justice and equality to all the religions that are able to follow our faith so willingly and lovingly in a land of world's largest democracy.

  • Walter, Bajpe/Boston

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Awesome memories. Time has come to build a memorable prayer center at the place- so people of all religions can get together to pray and the bond between the people of all Mangaloreans strengthen. Pope liberated the world from the threat of communism, may his memories could liberate Mangalore from the threat of communal violence and bring forth peace.

  • Gopinath Rao, dubai

    Sun, May 01 2011

    I remember the popular rhiming words of those days in Tulu around Mangalore: "Poper barper, barper poper" (meaning Pope will come and he will leave soon after the meeting)

  • Fr. Vincent Menezes, Cascia/Valencia

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Pope Paul VI was the first one to visit India. He came to Mumbai for the International Eucharistic Congres in 1964. the The rest of article is excellent. Congratulations.

  • Pius D'Souza, Belthangady, Dubai

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Thank you Mr Vincent Pinto for your beautiful article, as I was reading I could recall the Pope’s visit and the crowd standing and waiting, the amount of selfless services provided the volunteers, the securities etc. I am fortunate to take part as a visitor. Thanks again Mr Pinto and daiji team for the publication.

  • Mervin Pinto, Mangalore/Dubai

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Dear Vincy, Thanks so much for the wonderful article, Very nicely explained in details, you have done very good job. Keep it up. Once again you have proved your great leadership. thanks and God bless...

  • Stanley Noronha, Kulshekar, Kuwait

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Thank you Mr. Vincent Pinto for nice article with photos and a lot details. The unity among the 22 families for that golden blessed visit by pope is a very great unity. As Pope John Paul II is being beatified and soon on the way of sainthood, his blessings will be there on the kolambe village and ofcourse on all faithfulls. Today is a great day for all catholics and God bless all. Thanks daijiworld.

  • William Rodrigues, Abu Dhabi

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Thank you, Vincent. Timely publication of a good recollection of the event and well written. The volunteers who have worked for this great event are really lucky and blessed. A memorable event for Christians and Non-Christians too.

  • Wilfred Edwin Fernandes, Kinnigoly/UAE

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Nicely written Mr. Vincent Pinto. Thanks for this lovely article at the right time. One can imagine the preparation you people had done. I believe all of you, who had contributed by any means, are blessed. I was in my early school then and hardly knew who pope is. But I remember my dad had gone there and come back with a cap which was like a memento of this occasion. I am still surprised 5 lakh people in a small town of Bajpe!!! Perhaps the biggest ever gathering in India.
    While appreciating Lavina and specially Arjun who have commented here, I am sad to see people’s attitude, very few comments to praise this nice article. All are busy in commenting about politics, communities, religion etc. etc. God save our country.

  • Alwyn D'Souza, Udupi

    Sun, May 01 2011

    It was historic indeed. I wish and pray that history repeats itself with Pope Benedict. God has blessed us with true chritian leaders. We should be ever grateful for the gift of a leader.

  • Lavina Pinto, Mangalore/Dubai

    Sun, May 01 2011

    Thanks a lot for publishing photographs along with detailed info. Yes, I was the volunteer during that time and I got the opportunity to see him personally. A memorable event which will last FOREVER.

  • arjun, India

    Sat, Apr 30 2011

    Great.. Yes..the stage from where pope addressed the gathering is a historic spot and should be made a protected space with a suitable monument..Popes visit to Mangalore was a great event even for non Christians..


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Title: Memories of Pope John Paul II's Visit to Bajpe



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