Report and Pics by Vinay Pais
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (RD/SP)
Kundapur, Dec 2: The renovated St Pius Church, Pius Nagar, located at Hanglur, near here was inaugurated by Bishop of Mangalore, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, at 10.00 am on Tuesday December 1.
The Bishop was accorded a grand welcome, on his arrival at the church premises, by the parishioners and the parish priest, Fr John Walter Mendonca.
The Bishop offered Holy Mass along with Kundapur deanery vicar, Fr Alban D’Souza, Monsignor Valerian Fernandes of Aurangabad diocese, Fr Anthony Lobo, Fr Alphonse D’Lima, Fr Anil Cornelio, Fr Anand (Don Bosco), Fr Benjamin Pinto, Fr Boniface D’Souza, Fr Dominic Veigas, Fr Francis Cornelio, Fr Louis D’Sa, Fr Maxim Furtado, Fr Maxim Noronha, Fr Rocky D’Souza and Fr Sunil Veigas.
Bishop Dr Aloysius, in his homily, said that the religious worship centres represent the unity and faith of the devotees concerned. St Pius Church, that was constructed 50 years ago, has now been renovated with the generous contributions of parishioners and native NRIs. The renovated church can accommodate a large number of faithful during the Sunday and festal Holy Masses, he noted.
On this occasion, the Bishop also prayed for abundant blessings for all the donors and parishioners who contributed their mite towards the renovation works of the church.
St Pius parish priest, Fr John Walter Mendonca, said that the church has been renovated at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lac, and that the works were completed within eight months.
St Pius parish council vice president, Wilfred D’Souza, welcomed the gathering. Secretary, Leena Tauro, honoured the Bishop and other guest priests, by offering flower bouquets.
Fr John Walter Mendonca also used this occasion to thank the vibrant parish community.