‘Anugraha’ - the Pastoral Centre of the Udupi Diocese Inaugurated and Blessed

Bellevision Media Network

Udupi. 13 Jan 2022:: The inauguration and blessing of one of the prestigious projects of the Udupi Diocese, the Pastoral Centre ‘Anugraha’ was done on Thursday, 13 January 2022 at Kukkunje near Ambagilu, Udupi. Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza, Spiritual Director of Educare and former Episcopal Vicar of Udupi inaugurated the Pastoral Centre and Archbishop of Bangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado conducted the blessing of the centre.

 

Speaking on this occasion, Raghupati Bhat, the MLA of Udupi said that he considered himself fortunate that  while the new Diocese of Udupi was formed ten years ago as well as when the new Pastoral Centre is being inaugurated he was the MLA on both occasions and could take part in both of these programmes. He further said that the Christian community has been in forefront in both Udupi and Mangalore Districts in the filed of education and healthcare. He hoped that through the ten years dream of the Pastoral Centre, the Christian community would render greater service in the Udupi District.

 

Bishop of Udupi, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo felicitated Raghupati Bhat for his full support and cooperation in the construction of the Pastoral Centre and for helping in getting the necessary clearances from the government institutions in this matter.

 

 

Following the inauguration and blessing of the Pastoral Centre, Archbishop Peter Machado presided over the stage programme. 

 

Most Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio, former Archbishop of Bhopal in his message said that  the Pastoral Centre ‘Anugraha’ is a divine gift to the people of Sante-Katte, Kallianpura. It is a matter of pride that Kukkunje Ward will be known worldwide as the place where the beautiful Pastoral Centre of the Udupi Diocese is located. The Udupi Diocese has been doing excellent progress since the last ten years. He hoped that  due to the selfless contribution of the Bishop, priests, religious men and women as well as the people the diocese would be able to achieve greater success and progress in the coming years.

 

Speaking on this occasion, Vinay Kumar Sorake, former MLA of Kaup Constituency and former minister in the Karnataka government said that the longstanding dream of the Bishop of the Udupi Diocese has been realized with the inauguration and blessing of the Pastoral Centre. The service of the Christian community in the world has been praiseworthy as through their value based education to a large number of youth they have been striving to raise responsible and better citizens in the country. Besides the educational institutions they have been serving the society through their service based healthcare system. These are the service oriented living examples of the Christian community. No one can ignore the twenty percent contribution to the nation by the two percent Christian population.

 

In his address, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo said that the newly inaugurated and blessed ‘Anugraha’ Pastoral Centre would be a centre of all-round activities of the Udupi Diocese. He further said that in spite of various ups and downs during the last four years of its construction, the dream project of the Udupi Diocese is being realized and he thanked all those who made it possible.

 

 

In his presidential message, Archbishop Peter Machado said that he felt extremely happy to be a part of the inauguration and blessing of the Pastoral Centre. He further said that out of 14 dioceses in Karnataka, Udupi Diocese has emerged as a model diocese not only in Karnataka but in the entire country due to its excellent service to the community and society at large. He appreciated the contribution of Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo for the overall progress of the diocese during the last ten years. Archbishop Peter Machado continuing his address said that through his foresight and deep thinking, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo was instrumental in erecting such as beautiful Pastoral Centre. His contribution in spiritual as well as social progress in the diocese has been an example for others to follow.

 

On this occasion the donor of the land to build the Pastoral Centre, financial donors, architects, engineers and contractors were appropriately honoured. Fr. Denis D’Sa, Fr. Anil Prakash D’Silva and Fr. Steven D’Souza introduced the receivers of the felicitation. On behalf of the diocese Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo was felicitated by Lesly Aroza, Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Committee and former secretary Alphonse D’Costa.

 

Jerry Vincent Dias-a prominent businessman, Balkrishna Shetty-the Municipal member of Kukkunje ward and president of the Standing Committee, Fr. Valerian Mendonca-Rector of the Milagres Cathedral and Rev. Dr. Lesly D’Souza-Parish priest of Mount Rosary Church, Sante-katte were present.

 

Fr. Romeo Lewis, Estate Manager of the Udupi Diocese narrated the background of the construction of the Pastoral Centre. Fr. Stany Lobo-Chancellor of the Udupi Diocese welcomed the gathering, Fr. Royson Ferrnandes-Editor of the diocesan fortnightly ‘Uzwaad’ proposed the vote of thanks. Lesly Aroza-the secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Committee compeered the programme.