Media Release

Mangaluru, May 5: The harmonious singing of the chorale, the church bells chiming, the lively notes of the Honavar chamber orchestra heralded the two celebrations of Feast of St Joseph the Worker and inauguration of the presbytery in Neermarga Parish on May 1.

The day began with the reception of the bishop of Mangalore, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha. The propitious moments continued with a thanksgiving Holy Eucharist celebrated by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha along with Fr Anil Canute D'Mello, parish priest, Fr James D’Souza, vicar forane, city deanery and priests from Mangalore diocese and the religious.

The bishop in his inspirational homily helped the congregation to reflect upon the seven symbolic details in the Light of the day’s Gospel and the lessons derived from it - To follow the instructions of God, to abide by the word of God, Jesus is aware of His people’s hunger and He cares deeply for them, protects, and guides them, to recognize Jesus as the Lord, to be the people that take Jesus’ words seriously and begin to willingly give one’s time and talent so that every individual is a blessing to those around him/her, spread the fragrance of love and forgiveness, following Jesus includes learning and applying His teachings through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha accompanied by Fr James D’Souza, Fr Anil D'Mello, parishioners and well wishers inaugurated the presbytery by cutting the ribbon and unveiled the plaque. It was then time to praise God for being with the parish community throughout the construction of this new beautiful edifice and for blessing all those who have been involved in this project, where the bishop led the ceremony of blessing through prayer service and later consecrated the interior of the building by sprinkling the Holy Water.

After the Mass, the formal programme was held at the church ground presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore. It commenced with a prayer dance. Words of welcome always make the gathering feel at home and Ravi Saldanha, vice president of parish pastoral council did the welcome address.

Fr James D’Souza spoke at length about power of unity- that with those who are unified, nothing will be impossible and surely there would be Showers of God’s Blessings - pretty evident in Neermarga parish community. Fr Anil D'Mello, parish priest in his message thanked amply and recalled the bigheartedness, support, goodwill and sacrifices of parishioners, donors and well-wishers despite the tribulations and hurdles of life and announced their names and Dr Peter Paul Saldanha felicitated the donors.

The members of the building committee and the Team Building Organizing Committee coordinators were felicitated by the bishop and then their names were made known to the assembled by Arun D'Souza and Molly Saldanha. In this noble endeavor there has been a force behind – an operative or a guiding force, in the person of Fr Anil D'Mello, parish priest whose generosity, availability, amicability and indefatigable services to the flock entrusted to his care are praiseworthy was felicitated by the bishop.

Fr Ivan Peter Cordeiro, newly ordained priest who rendered his services to the parish on Saturdays and Sundays for one year as a brother, was honored by the bishop, parish priest and the dignitaries on the dais and words of appreciation were articulated by Merlyn Pereira.

Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, rich in faith, of simple heart, clear vision, deep thinking, vast knowledge, open mind and wisdom was honored with potted sapling, shawl, memento by Fr Anil D Mello, parish priest, Fr James D’Souza, vicar forane, city deanery, Ravi Saldanha, vice president, Parish Pastoral Council, Prakash Pereira, secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Maurice Renjal, coordinator of the 21 Pastoral Commissions, Sr Rufina, superior, Holy Cross Convent, and Sr Laveena D'Souza, superior, Carmel Ashram on behalf of the faithful and citation was read and presented by Usha Fernandes, coordinator of Commission for Women.

The bishop in his presidential address said that the presbytery is a public trust where the beneficiaries are the parishioners at large and appreciated and congratulated Fr Anil D'Mello and parishioners for their great accomplishment in building a new presbytery with great sacrifice and devotedness. 

It was a day to rejoice as the new website https://neermargachurch.com was launched by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha. It is not joy that makes us grateful, it is gratitude that makes us joyous- Prakash Pereira proposed the vote of thanks.

After the formal programme, the cultural program was staged by the ICYM. "It’s a day of rejoicing, a day of celebration, and a day of performing” said compeers of the occasion - Prasad Vas and Preethi D'Souza. Joyous and floor-tapping dances, comprising of Bollywood and Konkani songs, meaningful and heart touching musical drama performed by the youth, giving the beautiful message of hope and respect for one’s parents, Melba, Ancita, Derick, Jelroy, Ivan and Jackson impressed everyone with their singing ability, that was indeed fabulous and the comedy skit by Valerian Saldanha and Sannu Miranda left the audience spellbound.

Fr Dominic Vas led the gathering for the grace before meals. All present participated in the fellowship meal that followed.