Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 31: St Sebastian Church, Permannur, witnessed a historic celebration with the inauguration of new parish landmarks and the solemn administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, August 30.

The programme began with the inauguration of the Calvary scene by Ivan D’Souza, MLC and the Mahadwara by U T Khadar, speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, which were blessed by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore and Bishop Emerites Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza. 

A short stage programme followed, where the parish priest, Fr Cyprian Pinto, welcomed all. Honored guests included Naveen Hegde, Ullal commissioner, Sr Jyothika (Bethel Convent), Sr Alphonsa (Nirmala Convent), Sr Ezilda (Aloysius Convent), along with Fr Melvin D’Souza, assistant parish priest, Arun D’Souza, vice president PPC, Jyothi D’Souza, secretary, and Dolphy D’Souza, 21 Commission convener. The dignitaries shared their messages of appreciation and encouragement.

The programme also marked the first day of the Nativity Novena, led by the bishop. Later, he interacted with the confirmation students before presiding over the Solemn Eucharist, in which 82 candidates were confirmed. After Mass, candles of gratitude were distributed to contractors, engineers, workers, and benefactors.

The celebration concluded with a grand supper, attended by nearly 2000 parishioners, who expressed joy and appreciation at this milestone in the history of St Sebastian Church, Permannur.