Mangalore: Bendore Church centenary celebrations to culminate on Jan 19
 
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Jan 11: St Sebastian Church, Bendore which was established in 1914, will be holding week-long celebrations from January 13 to January 19 to mark the culmination of its centenary year, said parish priest Fr Anthony Serrao.

Addressing a press meet here on Saturday January 11, he said that the valedictory programme will be held on Sunday January 19 at 4 pm. Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza will preside over the programme.

Dr Bernard Moras, Archibishop of Bangalore, Dr Lawrence Mukkhuzy, bishop of Beltangady, Dr Henry D’ Souza, bishop of Bellary, union ministers Oscar Fernandes and Dr Veerappa Moily, state ministers Ramanath Rai, Vinay Kumar Sorake, U T Khadar and Abhaychandra Jain, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Janardhan Poojary, Sr M Wilberta, Sr Agatha Mary, MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ganesh Karnik, MLC Monappa Bhandary will take part in this programme.

Leslie Rego, Ronald Valder, Lavina John and Walter Colaco were present.

The centenary year was inaugurated in January 2013. During the year various programmes and projects were undertaken, including inauguration of St Sebastian Church Platinum Jubilee auditorium and renovated entrance arch. A memorial tomb was built for Church founder Msgr RFC Mascarenhas, Konkani drama 'Sipoy Saanth' was staged, a Bible quiz was conducted, a tour was arranged to Jerusalem, Bethlehem and other places, training programme was conducted for all church ward leaders, and medical fund was set up with the help of donors for the benefit of poor patients.