Renovated Sanctuary of St. Antony’s Church, Kuntalnagar blessed by Bishop Gerald Lobo

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Pics by Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 21 Jun 2016: The parishioners of St. Antony’s Church, Kuntalnagar had threefold celebration on Tuesday, 21 June 2016. Titular feast of St. Antony; inauguration and blessing of the renovated sanctuary and blessing of newly constructed hall. Moreover, observation of the parish day combined with these events was like icing on the cake.

 

Though it has been raining heavilly since morning, the skies opened up by the evening so that the devotees and parishioners could attend the threefold celebration in best of their dresses.

 

The solemn feast mass was concelebrated by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo along with Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza-Archbishop of Aga Archdiocese and a parishioner of Moodubelle, Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas-Dean of Udupi Deanery, Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca-Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa-Parish Priest of Kuntalnagar and PRO of Udupi Diocese and sixteen other priests from Udupi Varado and from outside.

 

Prior to the celebration of the feast mass, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo blessed the congregation by sprinkling holy water and consecrated the newly installed Crucifix with elaborate fresco that depicts the scene on the Calvary. The main painting of the scene of Calvary behind the Crucifix  and two other scenes-‘Good Shepherd’ on the right side and Jesus holding a child on His lap on the left side, painted by one of the most talented youngsters, Wilson D’Souza of Kayyar are the chief attraction of the main altar. The combination of colours and the representation of  Jesus and other characters are true to life enhancing the aesthetic and spiritual value of the sanctuary. At the extreme right the altar of  St. Antony, the patron saint of the parish and the statue of Virgin Mary at the extreme left complete the main wall facing the congregation that evokes awe and veneration from the devotees who enter the church.

 

Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, Professor at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore highlighted the theme of the feast “Like St. Antony, let us be the face of God’s Mercy”.  Fr. Clifford said that by celebrating the feasts of Saints we proceed one step towards God. By citing various episodes from the Holy Scriptures, Fr. Clifford pointed out how God has been showing mercy to His people and God does not let down those who keep their faith and hope in Him. Elaborating on the Gospel of the day, the story of Good Samaritan, Fr. Clifford stressed on the mercy that one can show to fellow human beings by various ways and reflect the mercy of God. He also narrated examples from the life of St. Antony and pointed out how those examples manifest the mercy of God.

 

 

Following the prayers of the faithful, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo blessed and sanctified the main altar. Thereafter, the altar was covered with fresh clothes and flowers were kept in front of it and the feast mass continued.

 

Towards the end of the mass, the Tabernacle was blessed and consecrated by Bishop Gerald Lobo and the Holy Eucharist was placed inside.

 

Soon after the feast mass, Bishops,  priests and people assembled in the newly constructed hall on the first floor for its blessing and brief stage programme. The hall with the capacity of 300 named as ‘Ghyan Bhawan’ was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza.

 

For the stage programme, the dignitaries on the dais included: Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, Rev. Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Valerian Mathias-Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council and Roshan D’Souza-Secretary.

 

Following the introductory remarks and welcome by Fr. Denis D’Sa, the parish journal “Paduacho Porzall’ was released by Bishop Gerald Lobo.

 

Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas felicitated Roshan Sequeira who had been editing the journal for the last 8 years and has to move to Bangalore for employment.

 

In his message, Rev. Fr.Fred Mascarenhas conveyed the greetings of the titular feast of St. Antony to all the parishioners of Kuntalnagar. Referring to the newly renovated sanctuary, Fr. Fred  said that a thing of beauty is joy forever. He lauded the leadership of Fr. Denis D’Sa and the cooperation of all the 120 families in the parish. Fr. Fred further said that a city built on top of the mountain cannot hide itself so also the church built on the top of the hill definitely would shine in all respects.

 

 

All those persons who were responsible for the renovation of the sanctuary and building of the new hall were felicitated by Archbishop Albert D’Souza. These included: Elias D’Souza-the chief engineer and his associates Nelson Machado and Alphonse Mendonsa; Wilson D’Souza, Kayyar-the chief painter of the scenes behind the main altar; Melwyn Noronha-the contractor; Alphonse Alva, Vincent Fernandes and Roshan castelino.

 

Archbishop Albert D’Souza expressed happiness to be part of the triple celebration and conveyed his best wishes Fr. Denis D’Sa and all the parishioners.

 

On the occasion of the observation of the parish day, team and individual winners of various competitions held by the ICYM Unit of Kuntalnagar were given prizes.

 

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo in his message said that the Kuntalnagar church has been renovated step by step. He greatly appreciated the way the sanctuary was renovated and said that the sanctuary is the centre of worship which draws the attention of the faithful as they enter the church. The Bishop further said that though there are few families in the parish, their achievement has been great under the leadership of Fr. Denis D’Sa. He complimented Fr. Denis and the parishioners for various works of development. On behalf of the diocese, the Bishop honoured Fr. Denis D’Sa by offering him shawl.

 

Roshan Sequeira compeered the programme and Nelson D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.

 

Fr. Clement Mascarenhas recited the grace before meal and all those who attended the feast mass were served with dinner.