Mangalore: Message of Unity, Brotherhood Marks Silver Jubilee of St Alphonsa Church

By Fr.Sebastian C K Chelackappally
Pics by John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, Feb 03, 2014 : A clarion call by Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza to rededicate ourselves to the service of the nation and to rise above the barriers of caste, creed, religion and region, marked the silver jubilee celebrations of St. Alphonsa Church at Kankanady here on Sunday. He was speaking during the valedictory function. He lauded the efforts of the church which included the priests, nuns and the parishners in building the sanctity of the church over the past 25 years. He added that it is the love that spreads across the society to make it a better place to live and not the narrow boundaries of intolerance among different sections of the society.

 

 

Noting that the Belthangady diocese had been working extremely well in striving to achieve their spiritual and social objectives, he opined that there was a need for the Mangalore and Belthangady diocese to work more closely in the cause of betterment of the society.

 

Chief Guest on the occasion, Mangalore South MLA Mr. J R Lobo released a booklet on the saga of St. Alphonsa Church. He remarked that Churches played a pivotal role in catering to the spiritual and temporal needs of the society and can never be inseparable from the people. He was all praise for the church stating that it not only supported and catered to the needs of the parishners, but also guided and helped thousands of student populace from Kerala who come to the city. Assuring all the support to the church, Lobo mentioned that we needed to be witness to Christ through the practiced virtues in the everyday life.

 

 

Presiding over the function, Bishop of Belthangady diocese Rt Rev Fr  Lawrence Mukkuzhy, walked down the memory lane reminiscing the help and support rendered by the Mangalore diocese in the spiritual life before the construction of the St. Alphonsa Church. He remarked that society will get rid of all its evils if Christ’s messages were sincerely practiced by each one. He emphasized the need for all the Christians to unite so as to lead a life of contentment and in the service of humanity.

 

 

Rev. Fr.  Sebastian Chelakkappily, Parish Priest of St. Alphonsa Church welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering and Mr. P.P.Joseph, trustee of the church proposed the vote of thanks. After the formal programme, women, children and youth of the parish performed various cultural events.