Media Release

Beltangady, May 2: A grand inauguration and blessing ceremony was held at Nirkan-Vogga on May 1 to celebrate the opening of the St Thomas Church Hall. The day began with a thanksgiving Eucharist, which was presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore diocese, and several other priests at St Thomas the Apostle Church in Nirkan.

Following the Eucharist, a procession was held to the new hall, where Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha inaugurated the building. The Nirkan choir group led the prayer song, while the bishop and the parish priest - Fr Leo William Lobo, led the prayer. Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha blessed the 'St Thomas Church Hall' by sprinkling holy water. Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Lakshmi Narayan Sharma, president of Kavalapdoor gram panchayat; Sr Celin Vas, superior of Holy Family Convent-Nirkan; Vincent Bennis & Shanthi Veigas, vice-president & secretary of Nirkan parish pastoral council; and Austin Lobo - co-ordinator of Commissions, Nirkan Church.

In his welcoming speech, Fr Leo Lobo, the parish priest, extended a warm welcome to all the guests. The engineer, contractors, and daily laborers who worked on the Hall were felicitated. The names of all the sponsors were read out and thanked for their wholehearted help and contribution in making this huge project a great success in the history of Nirkan.

Fr Leo William Lobo, was felicitated for taking the first step to start this project and for his selfless service during the project, which will be remembered forever. Vincent Bennis, vice president of Nirkan, was also felicitated for his active participation in the successful completion of this project.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was felicitated for his presence at the occasion as president and inaugurator of the programme. In his speech, Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha addressed the gathering and wished all the parishioners, the church hall with sufficient parking facilities in the clean environment would provide better services to the people in the coming days.

Vincent Bennis, vice president, conveyed a vote of thanks to everyone who contributed to the project, and Alphonse Fernandes compered the programme. The event was a testimony to the power of collaboration and dedication, and it will be remembered as a significant milestone in the history of Nirkan.