Report: Dr Eugene D’Souza
Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Udupi

Udupi, Jan 8: One of the much awaited projects of the Catholic diocese of Udupi, namely the retired priests home appropriately called 'Milagres Home' was inaugurated and blessed on Thursday January 6 at Kallianpur here.

After the launching of the Pastoral Plan Mission - 2025 in the diocese in order to promulgate its vision, mission and objectives from the beginning of the establishment of the Udupi diocese two very important and indispensable projects, namely the home for retired priests and the pastoral centre had to be completed. Now, with the help of generous donors and well-wishers Milagres Home, an abode for the diocesan priests to retire after their meritorious service for decades in various capacities in the diocese.

Milagres Home which has been newly built near Milagres Cathedral in a piece of land donated by Milagres Cathedral was inaugurated by Fr Albert D’Souza, the retired Archbishop of Agra in the presence of Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore who blessed the Marian Grotto, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, retired bishop of Mangaluru, Dr Gerald Lobo, the bishop of Udupi who blessed the generator and vehicle and a number of priests, religious and people who have contributed to the realization of the project.

Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza conducted a brief prayers service, after which the bishops along with deans of various deaneries blessed the different sections of the Milagres Home.

In the felicitation programme held in the Milagres Tri-centenary Hall, the donors of Milagres Home were felicitated. After the prayer song rendered by the Milagres Choir, the Rector of Milagres Cathedral Fr Valerian Mendonca, welcomed the dignitaries and the guests. Udupi diocesan Estate Manager, who is also the person in-charge of the construction of Milagres Home - Fr Romeo Lewis presented a brief report of the progress of the retired priests home.

Unless the Lord built the house, it is in vain that the builders labour. This project has been mightily supported by generous donors and well-wishers in spite of several hurdles, handicaps and uneasy moments. Ronald Colaco was thanked profusely in his absence for his contribution to the project. Fr Jephrin Monis, Fr Balthazar Castelino, MEP were thanked for their contribution. Alphonse Monis and George Castelino accepted the honor done by Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza on their behalf. Having felicitated the donors the bishop emeritus of Mangalore congratulated the Udupi diocese for realizing one of the important projects of the diocese.

"God loves the cheerful giver. Those who have contributed towards the construction of the Retired Priests Home will be abundantly blessed said Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha after felicitating the donors. Parish priests and the vice presidents of parish pastoral councils were felicitated for the contribution of parishes towards Milagres Home.

Deepak Fernandes, the Architect and the contractor of Milagres Home and Fr Henry Mascarenhas, parish priest of Pamboor Church who had played a constructive role as Diocesan Estate Manager during the initial stage of planning for Milagres Home were felicitated by the bishop of Udupi. Fr Romeo Lewis the present diocesan estate manager was felicitated for having toiled day and night in the supervision of the construction and completion of Milagres Home.

Dr Gerald Lobo in his presidential address said, "Thanks is a small word. But when it comes from a heart filled with gratitude and appreciation, it evokes sentiments of joy and happiness for having achieved something absolutely necessary and indispensable due to the generosity, support and good will of donors and well-wishers like you all and of course due to God’s providence and protection of Our Lady of Milagres."

Krishna Deadiga, president of Thonse panchayat, Jeffry, vice-president of Milagres Cathedral pastoral council and Fr Valerian Mendonca, parish priest of Milagres Cathedral were on the dais. Dr Jerry Vincent Dias, president, CREDAI, Udupi, Simon Pressy Machado, Leo Rodrigues and a number of donors and well-wishers were present for the felicitation programme.

Fr Denis D'Sa assisted by Fr Royson Fernandes compered the programme. Fr Anil Castelino rendered the vote of thanks. Fr Stephen D’Souza organized the initial prayer service. Leslie Arouza coordinated with the inauguration committee and worked of the success of the programme.