Mangalore diocese to take up Rs 8 crore-worth projects

DHNS

• A shrine and houses planned as part of 125th year celebrations

 

Mangalore, 30 August 2011: On the occasion of Post Centenary Silver Jubilee celebrations of the diocese of Mangalore, Bishop of Mangalore Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza released a brochure highlighting various projects to be undertaken by the diocese during the year.

 

 

Speaking after releasing the brochure, he said projects worth Rs 8 crore will be undertaken to mark the Post Centenary Silver Jubilee of Mangalore Diocesan.

 

As many as 160 houses will be constructed for the poor. This project has already kicked off in Kelrai church near Neermarga.

 

The cost of each house is Rs 2 lakh. There are 160 churches in Mangalore diocese and the diocese has planned to construct one house in each parish, after selecting a beneficiary. The house will be constructed in a 250 sq area.

 

While thanking the sponsors for providing monetary help to the poor, the Bishop appealed the members of the public to contribute generously for the cause. The 125th year celebrations began on February 6, 2011 at Rosario Cathedral and would conclude on February 11 and 12, 2012.

 

The Bishop said that two hostels will be constructed for poor students from rural areas at the cost of 60 lakhs. The hostels will help the students from the community to go for higher education. Free education will be given to poor students up to PUC.

 

Shrine at Bajpe

 

A shrine at Bajpe in memory of the visit of Blesses John Paul II will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh. A Marian/Diocesan museum will be set up at Rosario Cathedral on Blessed Virgin Mary and to display the origin and the development of Mangalore Diocese in the last 125 years.

 

A quiz competition on the history and development of the Diocese which runs in 12 series (one in a month) will be conducted through ‘Raknno’ weekly and a souvenir which contains the history of the diocese and information of the 160 parishes will be published at the cost of Rs 8 lakhs, informed Bishop.

 

A jubilee committee, with its sub committees has been constituted to oversee the successful implementation of these projects, he added.

 

“During the post centenary silver jubilee year we recount the blessings not only of the past but we look ahead. We want to give direction and lead our people to progress and greater heights. In this connection, we intend to erect lasting memorials which affect and enrich the day-today life of the people,” the Bishop said.