Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 19: ''Sabha Bhavan'', the newly-constructed hall of St Joseph the Worker Church, Vamanjoor, was inaugurated and blessed on Sunday, December 18 by bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D''Souza.
The thanksgiving mass was held and officiated in the morning by bishop Dr Aloysius D''Souza. In his homily, he pointed out the forthcoming celebration the birth of Jesus Christ and encouraged people to prepare themselves spiritually, by attending the daily Mass to strengthen their faith.
After the Eucharistic celebration, Dr Aloysius Paul D''Souza inaugurated ''Sabha Bhavan''. Sisters from St Raymond Convent, Vamanjoor and Queen of the Apostles SRA conducted the prayer service. The bishop of Mangaluru blessed the hall along with parish priest Fr Cyprian Pinto.
The stage programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the bishop and other dignitaries on the dais.
Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza, in his presidential speech, appreciated parish priest Fr Cyprian Pinto for his undaunted courage to take on the task of building the great and beautiful Sabha Bhavan. He thanked the donors for their generosity and blessed each and everyone. He blessed the meal and prayed over those who prepared the meal.
MLA, Mangaluru South, and chairman of Legislative Standing Committee for Backward Classes and Minority, J R Lobo, in his message, lauded Fr Cyprian Pinto and said that the building of the church was made possible because of his hard work. He appreciated the beauty of the hall.
MP of Dakshina Kannada, Nalin Kumar Kateel, addressed the gathering and said, "The Catholic community of Dakshina Kannada is a treasure to our district. It gives value-based education to people."
MLA Mangaluru North, B A Mohiuddin Bava, and mayor, Mangaluru City Corporation, Harinath M, acknowledged God''s will in the building up of the church.
The bishop and dignitaries of the dais honoured the architect of the building, Lawrence Coutinho, contractor Richard Rodrigues, corporator of Thiruvail ward Hemalatha Raghu Salian, vice-president Roshan M Kamath, secretary Joachim D''Souza, Jerald Monterio, Jennifer, Stevan Pinto , Rohan Pereira, Juliet Saldanha, Suresh, ex-member DK Zilla Panchayath Melwin, and Member DK zilla panchayat Seema .
On this auspicious day, the pastoral council members appreciated Fr Cyprian Pinto and the bishop honoured him.
Fr Victor Machado, vicar forane, honoured those who contributed Rs 2,00,000 and above, with mementos. Contributors of Rs 1,00,000 and above were honoured with mementos by Sr Cecilia Mendonca BS Provincial Superior, Mangaluru, and Sr Zeena D''Souza, SRA provincial superior, Mangaluru.
Fr Cyprian Pinto, parish priest, welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. Joachim thanked the gathering, and Sapna Saldhana and Assumpta Pais hosted the celebrations.