Pics: Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (JD)
Karkala, Feb 21: The blessings of the foundation stone of the new building of St Anthony’s Shrine of Manjarpalke here in Pakaala on Tuesday, February 21.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, blessed the foundation stone along with other dignitaries.
St Anthony’s Shrine here is celebrating its golden jubilee, as the number of devotees visiting the shrine has grown drastically, considering the need for a new and spacious shrine, the new building project has been initiated. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 6.5 crore.
Holy Eucharistic celebration and novena prayers for St Anthony were also held on the occasion.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop diocese of Udupi, on the occasion, said, “St Anthony’s grace has been received by not only Christians but also by non-Christians as well in this shrine. St Anthony is known for his miracles, he attracts every one of us and takes us near to Jesus Christ. This chapel is completing 50 years of its inception. Already many have extended their support for this project and few others have also ensured their support, I wish the grace of God on all of them. Engineer Deepak has beautifully designed the chapel. There was a shortage of space for the devotees coming to this shrine. Keeping this in mind the design has been finalized. Today it’s not so easy to build buildings. We require the support of the devotees as well, to finish the project on time.”
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Fredrick Maschanrenhas, parish priest, Belman church, said, “I am grateful for the cooperation I have received over the months in this place. Let St Anthony shower his blessings upon all of us. I thank all the devotees and donors also.”
Fr Fredrick Maschanrenhas, parish priest, Belman Church, Fr Ankith D’Souza, assistant parish priest, Dr Leslie D’Souza, vicar var, Shirva deanery, Fr Clement Mascrenhas, Fr Valerian D’Silva, Fr Sadanand, Sr Marina, superior convent, Gregory Menezes, vice president, parish pastoral committee, Janet D’Mello, secretary, Dominic Andrade, convener, 20 commissions, Remedia D’Souza, Alphonsoe Agera, founding committee members, Irene Castelino, family member of the person who had found the miraculous statue, Deepak D'Souza, architect, members of the building committee and finance committee and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.