Pics: Stanley Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Aug 16: A book on the life of Jesus Christ titled ‘Dev Manshyanth Ailo – Jezu Christachen Jivith’ written by Konkani poet and author Marian Paul Rodrigues was released by the Bishop of Mangalore Dr Peter Paul Saldanha at the Milagres Senate auditorium.

“The word of God is like sunshine. While some read it and become better, some are misusing it. The book by Marian Paul Rodrigues will help to understand the word of God from closer distance,” said the bishop.

Parish priest of Milagres church, Fr Bonaventure Nazareth welcomed and introduced the guests. Author Marian Paul Rodrigues said that he had an old desire to write about the life of Jesus Christ. “It did not materialize for about thirty years as I was employed in the Gulf. The desire was revived when I returned to my hometown after retirement. However, I became sick. But I did not lose hope and wrote the book with nearly 540 pages after research for about nine years. I am grateful to Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha who permitted me to publish the book by recommending it as ‘imprimatur’ and those who cooperated, particularly my family,” he said.

“I intend to provide true awareness about Jesus Christ to the people and help the weak and needy with the income earned by selling the book,” he said.

Jacinta Rodrigues, wife of the author, their son Dr Jonathan Rodrigues, publisher Sevak Prakashan’s Fr Chetan Kapuchin, Milagres parish pastoral council vice president Silvester Mascarenhas and secretary Jacinta Fernandes were on the dais.

Well known artist Eddy Sequeira compered the programme. Aron Lobo rendered a vote of thanks. Milagres church youth choir members sang the hymns written and composed by Marian Paul Rodrigues under music direction by Cyprian Master.