Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (PH)
Udupi, Dec 12: Fr Philip Neri Aranha, priest of St Peter’s church Barkur addressed the media at Press Club, Udupi on Thursday, December 12, on the subject of the inauguration of the renovated church.
Fr Aranha said, “St Peter’s church, Barkur, is renovated and is all set for the inauguration on December 15.The church has a history of more than 150 years and has always extended hands for the people in need and the community. Utmost importance is given to the education of children. Service to mankind is the form of seeking blessings from the lord and the church has been helping the poor without any discrimination based on the grounds of religion or caste.
“The government of Karnataka has sanctioned Rs 50 lac for the renovation of this historic church. Initially the church had decided to repair the roof, floorings and do electrical repair works. But with the support from the parishioners and well-wishers of Barkur, complete renovation work was executed. The newly renovated church has Italian marble floor, charismatic granite floor, stained glass doors and many more added features.
“The inauguration of the renovated church will be at 3.30 pm on Sunday, December 15 with a solemn thanksgiving Eucharistic Mass celebration by Dr Jerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese. A stage function will be followed at 5.30 pm, which will be presided by Dr Jerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese. Fr Baptist Menezes, vicar general of Udupi diocese, Fr Stany B Lobo, chancellor, Udupi diocese, Fr Lawrence D’Souza, rector, Kallianpur deanery, Sr Matilda Monteiro, provincial superior, Sisters of Charity, Shobha Karandlaje, member of parliament, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency, Oscar Fernandes, member of parliament, Rajya Sabha, Halady Srinivas Shetty, MLA Kundapur, K J George, former minister and MLA, Ivan D’Souza, member of Legislative Council, J R Lobo, former MLA, Shaila D’Souza, president of Barkur gram panchayat, B Shantaram Shetty, Karnataka State Rajyotsava Awardee and many more guests will be present.
Fr Philip Neri Aranha was accompanied by Jerald M Gonsalves, vice-president, Vivet Lewis, secretary, Dolphy D’Souza, co-ordinator of commissions, Stany Lewis, member of Finance committee, Venrold Lewis, president of ICYM and Dolphy Dlima, media co-coordinator.