Udupi: Construction of Diocesan Pastoral Centre Commences with Blessing of the Site by Bishop Gerald

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 27 Nov: The eagerly awaited construction of the Pastoral Centre of the Udupi Diocese commenced at a site donated by John Baptist Cornelio at Nayampalli-Ambagilu, near Santekatte, Kallianpur on Tuesday, 27 November 2018 at 9.30 am by conducting prayer service and blessing of the site by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese. 

 

Following the welcome address by Msgr. Baptist Menezes, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, Fr. Stephen D’Souza-Director of Divya Jyothi, Udupi along with Fr. Stany Lobo-Chancellor of the Udupi Diocese, Fr. Henry Mascarenhas-Estate Manager of Udupi Diocese, Fr. Harold Pereira-Coordinator of 18 Commissions of the Diocese and Alphonse D’Costa-Secretary of  Diocesan Pastoral Council conducted the prayer service.

 

Soon after the prayer service, Bishop Gerald Lobo blessed the entire construction site including the specially dug pit in which the foundation stone would be placed, by sprinkling holy water.

 

The foundation stone was carried to the pit by Fr. Henry Mascarenhas accompanied by Bishop Gerald Lobo, Msgr. Baptist Menezes,  donors John Baptist Cornelio, Mrs. Philomena Cornelio and Stephen Oswald Cornelio, Fr. Stany Lobo and Dr. Neri Cornelio. The Bishop along with other dignitaries laid the foundation stone in the pit and plastered it with cement.

 

After the final blessing by the Bishop, the donors of the land-John Baptist Cornelio, Mrs. Philomena Cornelio and Stephen Oswald Cornelio were honoured by Bishop Gerald Lobo by offering them  shawl, flower bouquets and the statue of Our Lady of Miracles.

 

In his brief message, Bishop Gerald Lobo introduced the architect and contractors of the project and felicitated by offering them roses. These were: Simons Prakash-Architect, Ujwal and Naveen Cardoza of Marian Construction Company. The Bishop also honoured the present councilor Balakrishna Shetty and former councilor Mrs. Shobha.

 

Bishop Gerald Lobo said that it was his dream to have a fully equipped independent Diocesan Pastoral Centre and thanked John Baptist Cornelio and his family for their generosity in donating the land to the diocese. He also thanked all those who were instrumental in implementing the dream project. Though there is paucity of funds, the Bishop expressed strong faith in Our Lady of Miracles and Almighty God that the required funds would be available in course of time and the project would be completed as early as possible.

 

Fr. Valerian Mendonca, Dean of Udupi Deanery proposed the vote of thanks. Fr. Harold Periera compeered the programme.

 

The function was attended by Fr. Stany Tauro-Dean of Kundapur Deanery, Fr. Alban D’Souza-Parish Priest of Kalmady, Fr. Leslie  D’Souza-Parish Priest of Mount Rosary, Santekatte, Fr. Roshan Menezes (OFM Cap)- Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Fr. Reginald Pinto-Director of Sampada, Fr. Edwin D’Souza-Director of Youth Commission, Fr. Romeo Lewis, Rev. Dr. Anil Castelino-Campus Director of Milagres College, Kallianpur and Jerry Dias and other invitees.