Media Release
Udupi, Dec 3: A mega Bible Exhibition at Anugraha, the Pastoral Center of Udupi Diocese was inaugurated on December 1, at by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi.
The commissions of Bible and charismatic renewal of Udupi Diocese envisaged this event a few months ago and held numerous meetings for its preparation and final execution, fruit of which has been resulted in a rare display of art, crafts paintings, stills etc.
The inauguration was marked by an ecumenical spirit by the presence of Ivan Soans, CSI pastor and M C Mathayi from Bramhavar Syrian Cathedral along with Udupi Bishop Gerald Isaac, vicar general Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, chancellor Fr Roshan D’Souza, Fr Valerian Mendonca, dean of Kallianpur deanery and Fr Charles Menezes, dean of Udupi deanery with quite a number of priests religious and laity.
A short prayer service was held to mark the inaugural ceremony. Fr MC Mathai led a meaningful prayer and beseeched God’s grace upon the exhibition. Br Vincent from Kemmanu proclaimed the word of God. As a mark of respect and devotion Bishop Gerald incensed the big Konkani Bible. Fr Ferdinand opened the lotus in which all the names of the books of the Bible were written on its petals. Ivan Soans opened the narrow gate leading to the Bible Hall where Bibles of different languages are displayed. All dignitaries passed through this narrow gate. Fr Charles opened the handwritten Bible and placed it on a pedestal. Fr Roque D’Souza, a member of the coordinating committee and parish priest of our Lady of Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte inaugurated a short documentary on Bible in the audio-visual room. Bishop in his message thanked the coordinators and invited all to come and see this unique exhibition. The first day was dedicated to children. Around 1,500 children including a few adults visited the site and went through the exhibition.
Earlier in preparation for the Bible exhibition a story telling competition was held at the diocesan level for the young children. A Bible proclamation event also was organized at parish level. The exhibition will be held from December 1 to December 3. A number of volunteers from five deaneries assist the pilgrims and guide them through the exhibition. Fr Cyril Lobo director of Divya Jyothi the Biblical and Catechetical centre of Udupi Diocese was also present on the occasion.