Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (SB)

Bantwal, Oct 18: Blessing and inauguration of the Eden Gardens, Navoor, Bantwal, was held, recently. Archbishop Giuseppe de Andrea, the former Vatican ambassador for Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen and Qatar and also the Apostolic administrator for the Arabian Peninsula blessed and inaugurated the newly built house of his personal assistant Hilary Crasta, Eden gardens.

Archbishop Andrea is presently a member of Propaganda Fide, in Vatican City, Rome and traveled all the way from the Vatican just to bless and inaugurate the new house. Hilary with his wife Jacintha, daughters Jasmine and Jocelyn had a unique chance to be in Rome last year and receive the first Holy Communion from the hands of Giuseppe de Andrea last year

A special Holy Mass was held by Andrea with due permission from the local bishop. Nearly 300 people took spiritual blessings from Andrea during the mass. The mass celebrated in English and the homily too by His Grace was translated into Konkani by Fr Arthur Menezes, a Capuchin priest presently the parish priest and superior of St Joseph’s Church at Lower Kasarkod in Karwar Diocese.

After the eucharist a short cultural programme was held and represented by the local MLA Ramanath Rai in the presence of nearly 800 people. During the programme all the dignitaries were honoured and all those who behind the construction of the house were felicitated by Andrea with gifts, shawls, bouquets, flowers and fruits.

The entire programme was compered by Bro Victor Crasta, OFM Cap the elder brother of Hilary Crasta and presently the superior of Bala Yesu Nivas and principal of Infant Jesus School, Chikmagalur.