Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 27: Chappara Muhoorta programme ahead of preparation of new bishop's Episcopal ordination was held on August 27 at Rosario Cathedral grounds.
Member of Parliament Nalin Kumar Kateel performed the Chappara Muhoorta along with other guests.
Nalin Kumar Kateel addressing the gathering said, “It is because of God's providence I am here. The Episcopal ordination is a national event.”
Nalin spoke about the role of Christians in social harmony and appreciated the role of bishop of Mangaluru in building a healthy society.
He said that when the central government announced Swachh Bharath programme, it is the bishop of Mangaluru who first took initiative. When there were attempts to disrupt peace in Mangaluru in September 2008, it was the bishop who took imitative to settle the matter and called the meeting to sort out all the differences.
Nalin also extended the support of central government as well all local MLAs of his party for the programme and to the new bishop.
Speaking on the occasion J R Lobo, former MLA stated, “Mangaluru is known for peace and harmony and all of us can work together to build harmonious society,”
Ivan D’souza, MLC in his address recalled his memories and said, “Christians of Mangaluru diocese always live with harmony. I request the MP to extend his full support for the programme,”
In his presidential address bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’souza appreciated the goodwill of MP Nalin Kumar. “Usually the close relatives are invited for Chappara Muhoorta and that is why we have our close ones on this occasion with us,” he said.
Secretary of Mangaluru diocese pastoral parishad and co-coordinator MP Noronha said, “Today world is considered as a global village. In this global village Christians are in majority. But in India Christians are minority. Episcopal ordination programme is being watched by people worldwide. BJP is ruling at the Centre and its MP Nalin Kumar has joined us to extend his and central government's whole hearted support for the Episcopal ordination programme and to the new bishop. This is a historical event of our country to promote harmony and goodwill.”
He appreciated Nalin Kumar for gracing the occasion by cancelling his other programmes though it was fixed at the last moment.
Lathif, corporator, Fr J B Crasta the chief co-ordinator, Fr Onil D’souza the convenor logistic committee, Fr Vincent Monteiro, Fr Richard D’Souza, Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, PRO of diocese of Mangaluru , Luvi Pinto, Marcel Monteiro and Sushil Noronha were present among others.
Fr Roopesh Madtha compered the event.