Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Pics: Nithin Pereira
Udupi, May 1: The inauguration and blessing of the newly renovated Christ Church Manipal was held with great grandeur on Friday, May 1.
Dr Leslie Clifford D'Souza, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, blessed the renovated church building. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop Emeritus, blessed the belfry tower, while Dr James Patteril, Bishop of Belthangady, blessed the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
The grotto was inaugurated by Walter and Telma Almeida, while Glen Dias and Jason Dias inaugurated the belfry tower. The newly renovated church was inaugurated by Martin Aranha and Philomena Aranha. Parish priest Fr Romeo Lewis, parish pastoral council vice-president Alwyn Saldanha, secretary Dr Sabitha Mendonca, coordinator Lawrence D'Almeida, and others were present. Fr Wilson D'Souza compered the ceremonial rituals.
In his homily, Bishop of Belthangady Dr James Patteril stated, "On this faithful day, we are witnessing the handing over of the renovated church to the people. This is the responsibility God has given us to follow Him. A physical church is made of wood and bricks, crafted with artistic beauty, but the real Church is built on faith and a true recognition of who God is. Without His foundation, even the most beautiful structure remains empty. Let this renovated church renew our faith and inspire us to be the living Church—strong in faith like St Peter and united in love like the early Christians."
Following the Eucharistic celebrations, a felicitation programme was held at the school grounds. Prime donors, including Martin and Philomena Aranha, Glen Dias, Jason Dias, Manohar Shetty, Walter and Telma Almeida, Francis and Cynthia D'Souza, Benedicta Menezes, Edwin and Maria Gomes, and Benny and Lavina Quadros, were felicitated by the Bishop.
Bishop of Udupi Dr Leslie Clifford D'Souza remarked, "I congratulate and appreciate the entire Manipal parish. Fr Romeo, with the support of generous donors, has achieved what once seemed impossible—renovating the church into such a beautiful place of worship. Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the house of God, where we spiritually live, love, and receive light from Him. I thank all the donors and parishioners whose support helped bring this church to completion."
Major donor Martin Aranha added, "Manipal has developed not only into an educational center but also into a place of architectural and religious significance. We all need a church to express our emotions and find peace of mind. Under the leadership of Fr Romeo Lewis, this work has been successfully completed. I thank everyone from the parish council to the architects who helped make this task a reality."
Fr Romeo Lewis was felicitated by the Udupi Diocese for his leadership in overseeing the renovation. Architects, parish council members, and other prominent contributors were also honored.
The event saw the presence of Fr Charles Menezes, vicar var of Udupi deanery; Raghupati K Bhat, former MLA; Suresh Shetty Gurme, MLA of Kaup; Jecinta Rego, superior of Cluny Convent; Dr Vijay Fernandes, convener; Simple Cutinha and Rayna D'Souza, co-conveners; Mary Shrestha, former vice-president of the parish pastoral council; Dr Leslie Lewis and Vinet D'Souza, parish finance council members; and Eliza Vaz, principal of Christ School Manipal.
Dr Augustine Barboza, Dr Lydia Andrade, and Nikitha Menezes compered the programme.
Watch Video: