Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, Jan 17: St Sebastian Church, Bendore will launch its centenary year celebrations at the Church premises on Sunday January 20 at 4 pm.

Addressing a press meet here Thursday January 17, parish priest of Bendore Church Fr Anthony Serrao said that Bishop of Bellary Dr Henry D'Souza will inaugurated the programme and also celebrate the festive Mass with other priests.

"The centenary celebrations aims at bringing people together in faith and unity. The theme of the centenary year is 'Towards Deeper Faith and Fraternity'," he said.

"To mark the centenary year, the parishioners along with the parish priest and assistant parish priests will launch a medical fund for the poor and needy families of the parish. Various competitions and events will be organized for the parishioners throughout the year to make it a very special and memorable event," he said.

The closing ceremony of the centenary celebrations will be held on January 19, 2014.

"In 1912 a small chapel was built where the present church exists and mass was celebrated. Till then Bendore was part of the Rosario parish. Bendore parish was formed in August 1914 and became independent with Fr Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas as the first parish priest," he informed.

Assistant parish priest of Bendore Church Fr John Moras, vice-president of parish pastoral council Ronald Valdar, secretary Lavina John and convener of centenary publicity committee Walter Colaco were present.