Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EC)

Udupi, Oct 15: Jubilation marked the third anniversary celebration of Udupi diocese here on Thursday October 15. The celebration was saw the launching of three major projects of the diocese.

The foundation stones for the three projects - pastoral centre, a home for retired priests and a minor seminary - were symbolically laid at Kinnimulky. The pastoral centre will be installed at Kinnimulky whereas the other two projects will be undertaken opposite Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur. But the foundation stones for all the three projects were laid at the same place on the diocesan land.

The foundation stone for the home for retired priests was symbolically laid by district incharge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, while Udupi bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo symbolically laid the foundation for the pastoral centre and Alphonse D'Costa symbolically laid the foundation for the minor seminary. Bishop Lobo blessed the foundation stones. A box was placed in between the stones, consisting of Mother Mary relic, rosary, a Cross, a 2015 currency coin and name of the person who laid the foundation.

Addressing the gathering, Udupi bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, ""Just as the common man has basic needs, so does the diocese. Our basic needs are these projects and our main objective has been 'build the people and people will build the buildings'. The people of this diocese told me that it has been three years since the Udupi diocese was installed, but it has not seen much development. They told me that if the diocese has to move in the path of development, these three projects were necessary and they must materialize. I honoured their request and today we are witnessing the foundation laying ceremony of the three projects.

"It was the people who said that the foundation for this noble work should be laid on October 15 only, as the diocese is stepping into its fourth year. They pledged full support to the diocese in every way in its every work. In the last three years, not only in words, but in action too the people of Udupi diocese have supported the diocese and me. I specially thank them from the bottom of my heart and wish god's blessings on them," he said. 

"The pastoral centre will have 18 commissions which will spread the Word of God through their preachings and services. It will be taken up in three phases - first, the administrative block with 18 commissions, then dormitory for training people, and which will also accomodate people from far off and include a mess, and third, two auditoriums for training and holding diocesan events," he explained.

Regarding the other two projects, he said, "It is the obligation of the bishop to provide a shelter for the retired priests with basic facilities. This will be constructed in front of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur near Pilar Father House. The minor seminary will come up nearby, where they will provide first phase training to the diocesan youth, which is mandatory, and then they will be sent to Mangaluru and Bengaluru for further studies."

"The main purpose of these projects is smooth functioning of the diocese. I am looking forward to mass support and prayers from the faithful. May Mother Mary guide all of us in this mission," he added.

Vinay Kumar Sorake said, "It is almost 400 years since Christianity came to india and specially Karnataka and since then the Christian community has been providing education and serving the helpless and the poor. The priests retire at 75 years and they ought to have a peaceful life. Ever since the installation of the diocese, the bishop has undertaken many development programmes for education, youth and faith purpose.

"The state government has already done a lot for the welfare of the Christian community. I will also hold a talk with CM, the people and priests and see what more we can do," he assured.

He also congratulated the diocese and wished well to the bishop and the laity.

Vicar general of Udupi dioceese Msgr Baptist Menezes welcomed the gathering. Dr Denis D'Sa compered. Fr Steven D'Souza conducted the prayer service.

Alphonse D'Costa proposed the vote of thanks.

Fr Valerian Mendonca, chancellor of Udupi Diocese, judicial cicar Dr John Mendonca, Fr Reginald, director of Sampadha, Fr Steevan D’Souza, Fr Chethan Lobo, editor of 'Uzwad' fortnightly, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Fr Alban D’Souza, Fr Henry Mascarenhas, diocesan estate manager, Dr Roque D’Souza, Fr Stany Lobo, parish priest of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, Fr Fred Mascarenhas, parish priest, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, Veronica Cornelio, chairperson of Karnataka Soaps and Detergent Limited, Ida Gibba D’Souza, zilla panchayat member, Fr William martis, many priests and religious of the diocese, members of the diocesan pastoral council, vice- presidents and secretaries of all the parish pastoral councils of Udupi Diocese were present for the event.