Kanajar: Renovated Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Inaugurated

By Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Kanajar, 29 November 2010: Renovated Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Kanajar is inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore on Monday, 29th November 2010. In the morning Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’Cunha, Parish Priest received Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius D’Souza at the entrance tower, welcoming him with flower garlands and the traditional thamboola, water-jaggery and taken him in a grand procession to the Church main entrance with the sun shine brass band and kombu kahale.

 

The renovated church was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius D’Souza by cutting the ribbon. He then blessed the newly constructed beautiful Grotto and blessed the main entrance of the Church and opened it. Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius D’Souza was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass and along with him were Rev. Fr. Vincent V. Menezes - Parish Priest of Casia Church Mangalore, Rev. Fr. Baptist Menezes - Episcopal Vicar Udupi, Rev Fr. John A. Barboza - Vicar Var Karkalla Deanery, Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’Cunha – Parish Priest Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Kanajar, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes – Parish Priest St. Lawrence Church Moodubelle, Br. Richard Lobo and about 20 more Priests from various Parishes.

 

The program followed the Mass at the Parish Hall with the welcome dance by the School Children. Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’Cunha wecomed the guests and all the gathered. The program was presided over by Rev. Fr. Baptist Menezes - Episcopal Vicar Udupi. Guests who were present on the occassion were H. Gopal Bhandari – MLA of Karkala, Rev Fr. John A. Barboza - Vicar Var Karkalla Deanery, Mable Nazreth – Vice President Pastoral Council, Denis D’Souza – Secretary of Pastoral Council and Br. Richard Lobo.

 

 

Robart Noronha – Main Contractor of Church renovation, Walter Pinto – Contractor of Grotto construction and Ramachandra Nayak – Construction Engineer, were felicitated by Rev. Fr. Baptist Menezes - Episcopal Vicar Udupi. All the others who worked in the construction were honoured by Rev Fr. John A. Barboza - Vicar Var Karkalla Deanery.

 

Rev Fr. John A. Barboza spoke on the occasion and said, Let us praise the Lord who created all of us. We need our Lord to forgive our mistakes. This renovated Church will give us the provision to praise him. Let us pray and avail the peace.

 

H. Gopal Bhandari – MLA of Karkala, released the Souvenir of the Church. In his speech he congratulated Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’Cunha for taking up the renovation work of the Church. He also said let us understand the human value and live together in peace.

 

Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’Cunha honoured the two non-resident organizations of Kanajar, KWAK (Kanajar Welfare Association Kuwait) and LKAE (Lourdes Kananjar Association United Arab Emirates Dubai) with flowers. Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’Cunha was honoured by Rev. Fr. Baptist Menezes.

 

Rev. Fr. Baptist Menezes in his speech said, in the life of every human being; peace, love, patience, justice, forgiveness, cooperation, help and unity should be there. He congratulated everyone who helped in the construction of the renovation work of the Church.

 

Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’Cunha presented the guests with a momento. The program was compeered by Prakash Martis and Sr. Meena. Mable Nazareth proposed the vote of thanks. The occasion was attended by people in huge numbers. Meal was arranged for everyone.