Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, May 1: Bishop of Mangaluru, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha inaugurated the newly built Sacred Heart Hall at Suratkal near here on Wednesday , May 1.
Along with the Parish Priest Fr Paul Pinto, Bishop led the ceremony of blessing and purified the hall and its premises with holy water.
After the blessing of the new hall, there was a formal stage programme, which was held at Sacred Heart Hall. Oscar Fernandes, MP, Rajya Sabha, Ivan D’Souza, MLC, B A Mohiuddin Bava, former MLA and Vincent Misquith, president, ESPA Dubai, graced the event as chief guests.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the programme.
Dony Suares, vice-president, Sacred heart Church, Suratkal , Bernard D’Souza, secretary were present on the dais.
In his welcome speech, Fr Paul Pinto, parish priest , Sacred Heart Church , Suratkal said, "Today is the day to rejoice. We got a new community hall and that also within a short, record breaking time. I thank Almighty for his blessings. It is the monument of the generous mind of the parishioners. The beautiful building itself tells how united they are. I thank all donors and supporters who have become of a part of this project on various aspects and times. It may bring a new dimension to Suratkal region as well as a new face to Suratkal Parish."
In his presidential speech Bishop said, "I congratulate the parish priest and all parishioners for this new building. It is not easy to construct a building in current time. But the members of Suratkal parish completed it within a span of one year. It shows how united you people are and how dedicated for your parish. Hope today onwards this place will become a place of ‘Sangam’ of all communities. This hall is built not only for the Christian community but for all. It may be used for cultural programmes and other religious and community events. I request the entire people of Suratkal region to make proper use of this hall."
Bishop felicitated people who executed different contract works relating to the hall. The donors were also felicitated on the occasion.
Dony Suares rendered the vote of thanks.
Earlier Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha offered thanks giving Mass along with parish priest and priests of deanery. A large number of people around Suratkal attended to event.