Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Aug 14: A car procession was organized as a part of the proclamation and dedication of Our Lady of Vailankanni center as Diocesan Shrine and Golden jubilee celebration of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, on Sunday, August 14.
Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat flagged off the procession. Meanwhile, Sundar Kalmady, councillor, Kalmady ward and Fr Melwyn Roy Lobo, assistant parish priest were present.
Fr Baptist Menezes, parish priest of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, blessed the Our Lady of Vailankanni matha statue and it was carried out in a car procession which was flagged off from Adi Udupi.
MLA Raghupathi Bhat, speaking on the occasion. said, "It is a holy work of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady. This day will be written in the pages of history in future and this is the happiest moment for us because we are taking part and witnessing a historical day. Kalmady church is going to proclaim the Udupi Diocesan Shrine after the Karkala and Kerekatte church. I wish and hope there will be an increase in devotees after this official announcement. I used to visit church during childhood to light lamps here. Not only the Christian community people but also Hindu devotees will come seeking blessings from Vailankanni matha. It is a happy thing that Kalmady church is completing 50 years on the occasion of 75th Independence Day. A large number of tourists are visiting Malpe beach, the church located in the mid-way of Malpe-Adi Udupi. Hence, the number of devotees will increase once tourism improves.’
Sanjay Andrade, vice president, parish priest council, Shobha Mendonca, secretary, parish priest council, Sandeep Andrade, coordinator, jubilee committee and Roshan Agnes D'Souza, member, jubilee committee and others were present.
After the process on the ninth day of Novena Fr Ronald Serrao, rector, St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, conducted the novena prayers for the intentions of children.
Fr Baptist Menezes, parish priest, Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, and Fr Roy Lobo, assistant parish priest were the concelebrants on the occasion. The choir team was from Holy Family Church, Brahmavar.
The Proclamation and Dedication of the Shrine as Diocesan Shirne will be held on Monday, August 15. At the same time, the golden jubilee celebrations of the Stella Maris Church will be held.