Mangalore: Grand Event Marks CSI Shanthi Cathedral's 150th Year Celebrations
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Dec 10: The culmination of the post centenary golden jubilee celebrations of CSI Shanthi Cathedral were held with a grand ceremony at the Cathedral premises here on Sunday December 9.
CSI moderator Rev G Devakadasham was the chief guest while Dr J S Sadananda, bishop of Karnataka Southern Dioceses (KSD) presided over the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Rev Devakadasham said that the community must remember its forefathers who contributed to the Cathedral. "The main aim of the missionaries was service by which people benefited. It enable people to have a new phase of life and experience the glory of god. May the blessing of god be on all the 22 dioceses and 41 million people of the community, may you render more service to society," he said.
Rev Sadanada in his presidential address said, "Peace is the gift of god. Peace together with justice and love is the real gift of god’s love. From Shanthi Cathedral a number of people have received blessings and benefited."
He further added, "It is not easy to organize such a big programme, it needs huge amount of strength and patience. This is the work of mankind. We are happy to co-exist with other religions. On this occasion we should remember our forefathers who did the great work building this Cathedral. They were visionaries. We thank the lord for enabling us to work and live in the society. Our community is a community of peace and patience. Faiths like Catholic, Hindu, and Islam have contributed a lot to us."
Vicar general of Mangalore diocese Fr Denis Prabhu said, "The grace of god is sufficient for you. Our community loves everyone without any prejudice. The religion has contributed a lot to the society economically and more so in the field of music. We should be indebted to our forefathers who came from foreign lands and started missionary work here."
He added, "The Holy Spirit dwells in each one of you, rule out your ego, help the needy and love everyone. Willingness to help is the most important part of Christianity. The church will provide solace to your problems and pains."
MLA U T Khader extolled the community and said, "Your community has contributed a lot to the field of Kannada. Kittel who belonged to your community compiled the first dictionary in Kannada. The most important virtue that your community has taught is patience and service to the society."
Naveen D’ Souza said Christianity community is different from other communities in a number of ways, and that Shanthi Cathedral had shown the cultural and religious way to its people.
Vice-president of KSD Devakumar K P said Shanthi Cathedral gives inspiration to everyone. "This church has inspired me personally me," he added.
Isaac Vijaya Shekar said from past 150 years Shanthi Cathedral has contributed to the field of spirituality and social service. "It is the light to society. We have come to follow that light," he said.
Rev Devakadesham released a souvenir on the occasion to mark the post centenary golden jubilee year of the Cathedral.
On the occasion, CSI announced that it had adopted the church of Mudoor to facilitate development and welfare of the people of that area.
U T Khader distributed the prizes to winners of a cricket tournament. The first prize went to Vishranthi church and runners-up to Christa Jyothi Karangalpady.
Naveen D’Souza distributed prizes to winners of throwball competition. The first prize was bagged by Jubilee Church Udupi and runners-up spot by Christa Jyothi Karangalpady.
Organizing committee vice-president Dr E V S Maben welcomed and read the message sent by legislative assembly deputy speaker Yogish Bhat.
Treasurer of KSD Udayaraj Gomes, and area chairman of district CSI Rev Winfred Ammana among others were present.
Earlier in the day, a Mass was held at 8.30 am, led by Rev G Devakadhasham and Dr J S Sadananda, Bishop of CSI Karnataka Southern Dioceses.