Udupi: Grand finale of centenary celebrations of Our Lady of Health parish, Shirva
By Richard DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi, 1 Feb 2015: The grand finale of centenary celebrations of Our Lady of Health parish, Shirvam near here was held on Saturday January 31 evening.
Earlier, a Thanksgiving Mass was held at Our Lady of Health church, Shirva on Saturday morning.
Udupi bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo presided the stage programme held at parish auditorium, Shirva, near here on Saturday evening.
Karnataka home minister K J George was the chief guest, said that he never thought he would become MLA. It’s due to the good will of senior Congressmen and support he has become MLA and now minister. Its also ones faith in his/religion that has taken him to this height. He also said, ‘We got to follow the way of Jesus Christ to serve the people. Indeed, we had to love other communities equally, so that we get our due respect form others as well. We need divine graces to fulfill our responsibilities in serving the people,’ said minister George.
Speaking on the occasion, the senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes said that he had visited almost all dioceses across the country, where he had found at least one religious priest or a nun hailing from Shirva. He urged diocesan authorities to begin an university in Shirva that has great potential to become an educational hub in Udupi district, said Oscar.
Karnataka urban and Udupi district-in-charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said that he had done his graduation at St Philomena College, Puttur and Roshni Nilaya – College of Social Work, Mangaluru which has given him head-start in his political life. He gave credit to Christian institutions for giving fillip to serve the people.
Kaup former MLA Lalaji R Mendon and Udupi diocesan vicar general Fr Baptist Menezes also spoke on the occasion.
The bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said that the role of the people of other faith in Shirva is indeed commendable. They have taken part in votive procession in large numbers that shows the unity of people of Shirva. People of all communities have contributed to celebrate centenary of the church. ‘We are united with all communities in Shirva,’ said bishop Dr Gerald.
The minister Vinay Kumar Sorake released centenary souvenir on the same occasion.
Blossom Fernandes, Shirva gram panchayat president Harsanabba Shaikh, ZP member Ida G D’Souza, TP member Krishna Kutty Poojary, Shirva parish council vice Wilson D’Souza, secretary William Machado and others were present at the dais.
The students of Don Bosco PG Studies rendered prayer song and welcome dance. Shirva parish priest Fr Stany Tauro welcomed the gatherings. William Machado proposed vote of thanks. Gilbert Pinto compered the programme.
Tulu drama, ‘Erekla Panodchi’ was staged as part of entertainment programme.