Silvester D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)
Kundapur, Oct 8: The celebration of 450th year of inception of Holy Rosary Church was held on Thursday October 7 in a grand manner. The high Mass was offered by Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo.
Addressing the devotees, in his homily, Bishop of Shivamogga diocese Dr Francis Serrao said, “Life of Mother Mary is model for us. We have been celebrating the blessing of God for 450 years in this church. We also celebrate the miracles that God our father does through Mother Mary. Today we are also celebrating the path Holy Rosary Church has tread through economical reformation, social service and educational reforms.”
Vicar general of Udupi diocese Fr Baptist Menezes, parish priest of Holy Rosary Church Fr Stany Tauro and other priests of Udupi diocese co-celebrated the mass with the bishops.
Speaking in the stage programme that was held after the mass Bishop of Shivamogga diocese Dr Francis Serrao said, “This is a rare occasion that 450 years are completed after the inception of Holy Rosary church. This religious centre has the history of four centuries of fruitful service to the society. Let devotees like us should fulfil our life by nurturing faith, honesty, noble deeds as per God’s will and sacrifice.”
Bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, who presided over the stage programme, said, “Jubilee celebration is nothing but the sweet amalgamation of five oceans. In the Bible the five oceans mentioned are memory, consolation, agreement, righteous path and celebration. We remember the service offered by Holy Rosary church in the past 450 years to the community and society. This occasion is a celebration of faith. God has done countless miracles through Mother Mary.”
Vicar general of Udupi diocese Fr Baptist Menezes, assistant parish priest of the church Fr Vijay J D’Souza, Kundapur town municipality president Veena Bhaskar Mendon, Karnataka Provincial superior Sr Maria Shamitha, secretary of pastoral council Asha Carvalho, coordinator of 20 commissions Prema D’Cunha were present.
Bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Shivamogga Dr Francis Serrao, town municipality president Veena Bhaskar, parish priests of the church, principals who served in St Mary’s educational institute, nuns and donors were felicitated on the occasion.
A souvenir book about the 450th year celebration of the church, compiled under the leadership of Bernard D’Costa, was released on the occasion.
Parish priest of Holy Rosary Church Fr Stany Tauro welcomed the gathering. Vice president of pastoral council L J Fernandes presented the report. Secretary of 450th year celebration committee Felciana D’Souza rendered vote of thanks.