Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EC)
Pics: Prem, Mummy Digitals, Udyavar
Udupi, Apr 18: Ahead of the inauguration of the renovated St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, the blessing and inauguration of the memorial altar and the newly-erected belfry tower of the Church was held at St Francis Xavier English Medium School grounds, Melpete in Udyavar here on Sunday, April 17.
On the instructions of Udupi bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, two miniature statutes of St Francis Xavier were taken to every home, where families would get together as per their wards to pray for the successful completion of the entire project.
A memorial altar was built as a monument to be remembered by the coming generations that the first Catholic Church of Udyavar was built at this place in the year 1866. The first Church here was nothing but a small sanctuary, a bell tower and a priest residence. The history of the Church has been engraved in brief on granite.
Msgr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, diocese of Udupi, inaugurated and blessed the memorial altar. Presiding over the Eucharistic Mass, he said, "I congratulate every fellow parishioner of Udyavar this evening as you prepare for the inauguration of the Church."
Delivering the Sunday homily, he Msgr Menezes said, "Jesus is indeed a good shepherd. Let us all get attracted to his magnificent personality. We should trust him and understand his ways in depth. Let us pray that there more persons in our families turn to priesthood and serve in our diocese."
Patrick D'Silva and Godfrey D'Souza, project in-charge of the Memorial Altar were lauded for their work. Irene Pereira compered the session.
A procession with the patron saint's statute followed after Mass from Melpete grounds to Guddeangadi, where the present church has been renovated.
Thereafter, the inauguration of the new belfry tower took place, wherein bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo unveiled the sponsors' plaque of the new bell, while Wilfred and Sophia Crasto of Pithrody, Udyavar on behalf of their family, unveiled the sponsors plaque of the bell tower.
Blessing the newly-erected belfry tower, bishop Dr Gerald said, "In olden days the bells in the church were a vital means of communication. May it be a happy moment or a sad one, or give call for the Eucharistic celebrations or any important religious events, in the noise-free environment of those days, the ringing of the bells were heard to great distances.
"So far, by the blessings of St Francis Xavier we have come to the end of renovating the Church without any big obstructions. It is a rare opportunity to build a temple of prayer to show our gratitude to God. With only 11 days to go for the inauguration of the Church, let us come together, work hand in hand, and be prepared to welcome the big day and moment in our lives. Let the ringing of these bells bring us together from now on," he said.
Steevan Colaco compered the session at the Church ground.
Fr Steevan D'Souza, director, Divya Jyothi, diocese of Udupi, Fr Roshan D'Souza, Moodubelle, Fr Simon D’Souza, Holy Cross Congregation, Katapady, Dr Roque D'Souza, parish priest, Udyavar, Lawrence D'Sa, vice-president, Michael D’Souza, parish pastoral council, building core committee members, parishioners and the faithful from outside the parish, altogether more than 1,200 people, were present on this occasion.
The Crasto brothers, namely Norbert, Wilfred, Norman and Victor and their families had donated a lump sum entirely for the infrastructural overhead of the belfry tower in memory of their late parents Gregory and Matilda Crasto. A new bell was brought in from Germany with the earnest efforts and sponsors of Dr Roque D'Souza and his friends in Germany. Sponsors were also brought in by Fr Vincent Pereira (Canada) and his Canadian parishioners.
The old bell that was installed in the year 1970 has also been installed next to the new one. The bell tower is 110 feet high.
Upcoming Events:
The Hore Kanike procession will take place on April 24 at 3 pm. All the devotees bearing Hore Kanike will join the procession at Jai Hind Complex, and it will be flagged off by H D Mendonca, SP of Lokayukta, Karwar. The procession will reach Udyavar Church via Mattadangadi, Melpete and Guddeangadi.
There will be an inter-religious meet at 5:30 pm the same evening at Udyavar Church grounds. The president of this event will be Fr Fred Mascarenhas, dean of Udupi deanery. The event will blessed by Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji of Putthige Math, Udupi and Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi. Mohammed Kunhi, manager, Shanthi Prakashana, Mangaluru will be the chief guest.
Internationally-renowned musician Ustad Rafique Khan and his team will perform 'Music for Harmony' on this occasion.
The newly renovated church will be inaugurated on April 28.