Mangalore: Centenary celebrations of Bendore Church draw to a grand close
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Jan 19: The centenary celebrations of St Sebastian Church, Bendore culminated with a grand event at the Church ground here on Sunday January 19.
The celebrations began with a Eucharistic Mass led by Archbishop of Bangalore Dr Bernard Moras, who was also the chief guest for the formal stage programme. Bishop of Mangalore diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza presided over the ceremony. Bishop of Bellary Dr Henry D'Souza, union minister for petroleum and natural gas Dr Veerappa Moily, state ministers U T Khadar, Abhaychandra Jain, Ramanath Rai, Sr M Wilberta, Sr Linnette, Fr John Baptist, Fr Michael Santhumayor, Ronald Walder, Laveen John were present on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Bernard Moras said, "Earlier there were many from Bendore parish taking up priestly vocation and serving in many parishes, but as we celebrated the centenary of the parish today, the question we need to ponder over is why has the number of priests and nuns from this parish decreased over the years. Let us strengthen our faith. I urge parents to encourage their children to take up priestly vocation. It is our primary responsibility. The patron saint of this church St Sebastian lived for faith, and all parishioners should follow his example."
Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza said, "Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas was the first priest of this church. The church has contributed five bishops and hundreds of priests and nuns, but as we step into the next century (of St Sebastian Church), the message I would like to give you is - live with faith and believe in god, and be a witness to Christ. This is the need of the hour. Due to various influences in the society, faith has been decreasing and it is very difficult to grow in faith in the present environment. It is important that there is unity in famiy, where devotion is nurtured."
Advising the Catholic youth, the bishop said that church should be the centre for their activities. "This (church) is the place where you get recognition, encouragement and also get opportunity to showcase your talents. The church should be the centre for your activities and they should not remain outside. There are 2,200 parishoners in Bendore church, and all of them should work with the church," he said. He also urged parents to give more attention to their children.
He also appreciated the healthcare fund which was launched on the occasion. St Vincent De Paul Society was first started in the diocese 80 years ago in this church, and it is now established in all the churches," he added.
On the occasion, Veerappa Moily released the centenary memorial health fund for the poor.
In his address, Moily said, "This church has contributed so much to the lives of people in terms of prayers and miracles. The new health fund is a good step. This is what Mother Teresa also did, she took care of the poor and the destitutes." Appreciating the work done by Bendore parish, he said, "Stretch your hands and help others, especially those who are underprivileged."
Bishop of Bellary Dr Henry D'Souza cited an example of two Catholic girls who had achieved success despite their physical disabilities. "They (the girls) are an example for all youngsters. Leaders and parents should instill new dreams in the minds of youngsters. We must strengthen our faith," he added.
Minister for health and family welfare U T Khadar said, "The Chrsitian community has contributed a lot to social and educational sectors. A person's patriotism cannot be gauged by utterance of words like 'zindabad' but through work done for the lesser privilleged, which is what the Catholic comminity is doing. Unity and brotherhood form part of India's culture and they have to be strengthened. Over the hundred years, the Bendore Church has contributed to development in differnet ways. I too studied in Christian school and college. The commuity is known for providing quality education."
Minister for youth affairs and sports Abhaychandra Jain released the centenary souvenir.
In his address, Jain said, "If I was elected as an MLA, the Christian community had a major role to play, as there are only 2000 Jains in my constitunecy. Post-Independence in Mangalore South constituency Christians were nominated as candidates but after suffering defeats, there were voices demanding tickets to persons of other communities. It was Ramanath Rai and I who insisted that the ticket should be given to a person from the Christian community last time, and we had threatened not to contest the elections if our demand was not met."
Lauding the work of fomer Congress leader Blasius D'Souza who belonged to Bendore parish, he said, "Blasius D'Souza was an honest man who worked a lot for the development of the region. Today politics has changed and politicians have to be sincere, simple and serve the society. Earlier politicians used to lead a royal lifestyle but it does not work these days."
J R Lobo said, "Bendore Church has contributed a lot to social and educational welfare and is financially strong, but it has give special attention to youngsters and draw them towards politics and administrative services. These fields need to be encouraged."
Ramanath Rai said that the Christian community has supported him a lot and in return he has put his best efforts for their welfare. "The need of the hour is to come together and work with love irrespective of religion," he added.
'Christachi Sakshi' (Witness to Christ), a CD of Konkani devotional songs by Fr Michael Santhumayor was released on the occasion. The surplus funds generated by the sale of the CD would go to welfare fund.
Prior to the programme, Dr Bernard Moras unveiled the statue of St Sebastian, the patron saint of the church.
Parish priests and assistant parish priests who had served Bendore church, and winners of various competitions were felicitated.
The stage programme was followed by a dinner that was cooked by 400 parishioners.
Parish priest Fr Anthony Serrao welcomed the gathering. Ronald Walder proposed the vote of thanks.
Bendore parish council secretary Laveen John read the annual report. Dr Norbert Lobo and Anita Lobo compered the event.