Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD /KR)

Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady

Udupi, Feb 3: 'Golden remembrance of faith: Mother Mary inspires' with this motto to mark the historical movement of the existence of Catholic devotees at Kalmady Golden Jubilee year was inaugurated on Wednesday, February 3.

Msgr Dr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, diocese of Udupi inaugurated the year of celebrations. Fr Alban D’Souza, parish priest, Stella Maris Church, Fr Praveen Monteiro, assistant parish priest, Fr William Martis, resident priest, Sanjay Andrade, vice president, Parish Pastoral committee, Shobha Mendonca, secretary, Lewis Lobo, Flavia Matias, Franklin, Ida D’Souza, were present on the occasion.

In his inaugural message Msgr Fr Baptist Menezes, said, "Today we are beginning the jubilee year. In 1972 the chapel was built. In 1991 the Church came into existence and faith increased. I congratulate Fr Alban D’Souza for conducting religious activities thoroughly. Our every motto is accomplished in our mission. Due to Covid-19 our face is covered but our faith has increased a lot," he said. 

In the initial address, Fr Alban D'Souza said, "We have completed 49 years of prayers in this place. Before our parishioners attended Udupi and Thottam parishes for all their devotional needs. The late Fr Golbert Pereira then parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi had a dream to build a church in this place. After increasing in the devotees in this area. Lft Fr Charles D’Souza built a chapel here and on February 5, 1972, the then bishop of Mangaluru the late Basil D’Souza inaugurated the chapel. Fr Golbert Pereira, Fr Charles D’Souza and Fr Robert Crasta used to offer Eucharistic celebrations herein. In 1988, Fr Denis Castelino brought the statue of Velankani and installed it here and it was blessed by then bishop of Mangaluru the late Basil D’Souza. On January 1991, an independent parish came into existence. Today we are inaugurating the jubilee year of the inception of this place. Bishop Gerald Issac Lobo had also expressed his will to build a boat-shaped church herein. Today with the blessings of Mother Mary and almighty this church is built and recognized worldwide."

Prior to this inauguration annual feast of the church was also celebrated. Fr Walter D’Mello, judicial vicar diocese of Udupi and Mangaluru celebrated Holy Eucharistic celebrations. Fr Charles Menezes, dean, Udupi deanery, and parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi celebrated the vespers on Tuesday, February 2.