Media Release

Udupi, Feb 11: In a solemn ceremony marked by prayer and community involvement, the Christ Church in Manipal embarked on a significant step towards its restoration journey. The church, which had suffered severe roof damage in 2022, initiated the tiling process on February 5, 2024, under the guidance of Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of the Udupi diocese.

The event commenced with a prayer service, underscoring the spiritual significance of the restoration effort. Fr Romeo Lewis, the parish priest of Christ Church, extended a warm welcome to the attendees, emphasizing the collective determination of the parishioners to rebuild the sacred space.

Dr Jerry Vincent Dias, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, he offered prayers for the successful completion of the roof tiling project, acknowledging the importance of the church as a cornerstone of faith and unity in the community.

As a symbolic gesture, Dr Jerry Vincent Dias ceremoniously passed the first tile to be placed on the roof, signifying the collaborative effort required for the restoration process. The parishioners, actively engaged in the ceremony, joined hands in passing tiles, underscoring their commitment to the reconstruction of their beloved church.

The decision to replace the damaged roof with a new tiled structure came after thorough deliberation by the Diocesan Building Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Parish Pastoral Committee, in consultation with engineers. The ongoing work involves the meticulous removal of the existing truss and its replacement with a stronger structure—a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the church community in ensuring the safety and sanctity of the place of worship.