Media Release
Udupi, Feb 12: Emphasising the sacredness of places of worship, Apostolic administrator of the Udupi diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, said that temples and churches are holy abodes of God and their sanctity must be preserved by everyone.
He was speaking after inaugurating and blessing newly renovated St Anne's Chapel at Thottam and delivering the homily during the solemn Eucharistic celebration.
In his message, Bishop Lobo highlighted the special significance of places of worship in Indian culture, noting that they serve as centres to offer praise and adoration to God. “More than physical structures, what is essential is our inner faith, reverence for God, and a way of life that respects and uplifts the poor. External rituals without inner devotion have no meaning,” he said.
He further stated that the chapel would serve as a sacred space for prayer, spiritual experience, and communion with the Divine. “Buildings made of stone may perish, but the living temple within us remains forever,” he added.
Following the Holy Mass, a rosary prayer was held. A candlelight procession was then conducted from the chapel to the main church. The inauguration and blessing ceremony were coordinated by Fr Wilson D’Souza.
During a felicitation programme held at the open stage of the main church premises, donors who contributed to the construction of the chapel, along with the architect and other supporters, were honoured.
On the occasion, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo and parish priest Fr Denis D’Sa were felicitated on behalf of the church.
Among those present were Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna; rector of Milagres Cathedral, Kalyanpur, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves; chancellor of the diocese Fr Stephen D’Souza; former MLAs J R Lobo and Raghupathi Bhat; convent superior Sr Sushma; director of the Christian Development Corporation Prashanth Jathanna; Congress leader Prasad Raj Kanchan; Ramesh Kanchan; president of the Sarva Dharma Samanvaya Samiti Ramesh Thingalaya; MCC Bank president Anil Lobo; Daijiworld managing director Walter Nandalike; major donor Oswald Vaz; Peter Andrew D’Souza; coordinator of the 20 Commissions of the parish pastoral council Shanti Fernandes; Clifford Leena Vaz and family representing the Vaz family; and others.
Parish priest Fr Denis D’Sa welcomed the gathering, Parish Pastoral Council secretary Lavina Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks, and vice-president Leslie Aroza compered the programme.