Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jan 6: St Sebastian’s Church, Permannur originally a part of Ullal (Later called as Panir) church will be completing 100 years of its foundation in 2018. As part of the centenary year celebrations, a series of programmes were held in 2017. This January will be the peak of the year-long celebrations.
On January 7, a marathon race will he held with an intention to unite parishioners especially youth and hence build solidarity in the local community.
On January 10, a nine-day novena prayer will commence.
St Sebastian Shrine
Belfry
St Sebastian Hich School & PU College
St Sebastian English Medium School
Fr J B Saldanha
Parish Clergy with PPC & Jubilee Commitee
PPC & Jubilee Commitee Convenors
On January 19, Dr Francis Serrao, the Bishop of Shivamogga will preside over the Institution day celebrations. All teachers who served in St Sebastian institutions will be felicitated during the function. The officials of the education department, several educationalists and the alumni are expected to attend the function.
On January 20, an interreligious meet has been organised to put together people of all faiths. Ullal being a sensitive area prone to communal disturbances is making an attempt to amend their ways towards establishing peace and harmony. Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Serampore University Chancellor Dr J S Sadananda, Juma Masjid (Kulur) Khatib K A Basheer Madani, Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza will attend the programme that will help build trust and confidence among the people in the vicinity of Ullal.
On January 21, the concluding ceremony of the year-long festive and community building events will be held. A thanksgiving Mass will be followed by a formal function. Many of the Bishops, Karnataka state political leaders, priests and lay leaders are expected to attend the function.
Development programmes
“The Jubilee celebrations will not merely be an event of celebrations. The parish community has decided to take up concrete developmental projects for the well being of the community and the upliftment of the people,” says St Sebastian’s Church, Permannur parish priest Fr John Baptist Saldanha.
A shelter for the homeless will be constructed and houses of the poor in the area will be repaired. A medical fund and educational fund will help the poor parishioners. A housing fund to provide immediate shelter and to repair houses destroyed due to natural calamities has also been established.
A community hall will also be constructed which will help various groups such as youth, fishermen, self help groups to get together for training sessions and also to conduct programmes that will benefit the community.
A post graduate educational facility will be set-up to provide quality education to the localities especially those who are financially underprivileged. Also, the parish committee plans to upgrade the existing educational institutions with all infrastructure facilities and well qualified staff in achieving educational excellence, adds the Parish Priest.
Celebrations commenced in 2017
The parishioners and the locals of Permannur, Thokkottu wanted to make the centenary year celebrations a historic event. Since 2017, they have been taking active part in its preparations with the pledge of maintaining peace and harmony in and around Ullal.
In January 2017, a special programme was conducted for the leaders of the parish community. In March 2017, senior citizens were honoured. In April 2017, special programme was organised for women. In May 2017, various programmes were organised to cater people with medical and educational needs. In August 2017, a mega bible quiz was organised. The months September and October focused on rejuvenating family life. November 2017 was dedicated as the month of spiritual renewal. December had programmes that focused on youth. The activities aimed to revitalize the spiritual fervour of the community.
History of St Sebastian Church, Permannur
St Sebastian Church, Permannur was originally a part of Ullal church. In 1913, Fr Joseph Menezes of Ullal succeeded in obtaining 15 acres of land, while Fr Lawrence Fernandes built a chapel in Chembugudde. This chapel was detached from Ullal church and made into a separate chapel. Fr S V Rebello became the first chaplain on February 1, 1918.
Fr S V Rebello built a small church which was inaugurated on April 5, 1926. Since the location of this church was not easily accessible, permission was given to the chaplain Fr Paidade S D’Souza to locate the Chembugudde chapel at Thokkottu, the present site. The parishioners donated 3 acres of land and the late U Krishna Bhat, a lawyer, donated another 2 acres on which the new church was constructed by Fr Piad S D’Souza. The church was solemnly blessed on May 23, 1932 by Bishop Victor R Fernandes.
The chaplaincy was raised to the rank of a parish on July 16, 1932 with Fr Piad S D’Souza as the first parish priest. He constructed the presbytery. Adamkudru Island, a part of Ullal was brought under the jurisdiction of Permannur when it became a parish. Fr Basil A D’Souza built belfry. Fr Stany B Lobo built the new church which was inaugurated on February 16, 1993.
Then Fr Albert D’Sa, Fr Jose M Menezes , Fr Harold D’Souza, Fr Peter Serrao and Fr Thomas D'Souza served here. Under their able leadership, the parish and its surroundings were developed through various projects that not only aimed in spiritual enrichment but also focused on social wellness.