Pics by: Jeevan D'Costa
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 14: The platinum jubilee celebrations of St Vincent De Paul Church, Katapady was celebrated with grandeur on Tuesday, November 14.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop diocese of Udupi celebrated the thanksgiving holy Eucharistic celebration.
In his homily, Dr Gerald Issac Lobo said, "Today, we have gathered here to celebrate the platinum jubilee of St Vincent De Paul church Katapady. Jubilee is a memorial, today as we celebrate 75 years of the parish. We have to remember that this parish was a part of Udyavar parish earlier. Our ancestors toiled for the creation of a separate parish in Katapady. Jubilee is also a call for condolence. This year calls for us to renew our lives. Jesus calls us to renew our lives and feel sorry for our mistakes. The year also calls for compromising negotiations. This is not a showcase of tradition. This calls for following its real meaning. As per the Jewish traditions and as it is mentioned in the Old Testament the 50th year was celebrated as the jubilee year. The year was of jubilation and holy. The year contained five important components which are remembrance, condolence, negotiation, Sanmarga and jubilation.”
Fr Roshan D'Souza, chancellor, Diocese of Udupi, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general diocese of Udupi, Fr Charles Menezes, parish priest Udupi, Fr Rajesh Prasanna, parish priest Katapady, Fr Martin, vice provincial south province, Holy Cross Congregation and other priests took part in the golu Eucharistic celebrations. Fr Rajesh Prasanna, parish priest Katapady thanked everyone.
A formal felicitation programme was also held after the Eucharistic celebrations during which Fr Charles Menezes read the papal message and blessings sent on the occasion of Jubilee. Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop diocese of Udupi presided over the felicitation programme.
Brayan Correa, vice president Parish pastoral committee took an overview of the church's journey of 75 years.
Speaking on the occasion, Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA Kaup said “75 years is a prominent age of any organisation. It's an occasion to remember the hard work of our elders. We do not opt to be born in any religion and caste, but after taking birth we need to live in harmony. But today where there are non religious disharmonies around ourselves we need to exit from this notion. We are following unity in diversity in our nation. We should cultivate the feeling of oneness among us. Christians are another name for truth, honesty, and discipline.”
In his address, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general diocese of Udupi said, "The foundation stone for the new church was laid just within two years of Independence. This church was established due to the needs of the local Christian community. I thank all the priests and the leaders of the parish for their selfless service. The parishioners have surrendered themselves to God's will this is clearly seen in today's programme. Various programmes have been organised as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of which I am aware of. I congratulate the parish priest, vice-president, secretary and the entire parish pastoral committee for organising such a wonderful programme. Be renewed in Christ. Try to help the poorest among you."
In his message sent through his representative, Fr Roque D'Costa, Provincial superior Holy Cross, province of South India said, "I am delighted to know about the jubilee celebrations of Katapady Church. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop emeritus of the diocese of Mangaluru had handed over this parish to us. The holy cross seminary situated here is also helping for the needs of the religious local community. The parishioners are very much helpful with one another and living with peace. 75 years ago the foundation stone was laid and they built this parish with hard work and religious fervour. This celebration is an occasion to remember our ancestors' work and cultural gifts they have sown with us.”
Fr Norbert Dmello, former parish priest shared his experiences of being a parish priest in Katapady.
Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media and chief guest of the programme in his address said, "Today our community is facing some issues. Many of us think that we are just 2.5% and we have no representation. But this should change. Udupi diocese has promoted 'Sarve Jana sukhino bhavantu' in the entire country. The programmes that are organised here have been replicated as a model in other dioceses too. Bishop and all the priests are responsible for such a mark. The Holy cross Congregation is handling this parish. Their work will be shown to the world in further episodes of "Hello father" series on Daijiworld TV. Vinay Kumaar Sorake has stood for 'sarve Jana sukhino bhavantu' in his entire political career.”
Fr Roshan Dsouza, chancellor, Diocese of Udupi said, "During the sports event organised by the youths of the parish heavy rains occurred during the inauguration of the event but with the miracle of St Vincent De Paul the rain stopped within 15 minutes and never interrupted the event. With these small miracles we can say that St Vincent De Paul has showered his blessings upon the parishioners.”
Speaking on the occasion, former MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake said, "Even though Christian population is just 2.5% they have given immense importance to the society. The dedicated educational institutions along with the religious institutions have given a noteworthy contribution. We can say that many of us have learnt education through Christian educational institutions. I studied in Christian educational institutions and that has brought in me the values I profuse now.”
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop diocese of Udupi in his presidential address said “In the parish dedicated to St Vincent De Paul let us try to live like him. There should not be any needy in our parish. Many developments have taken place here. 16 priests have served here. I remember all of them on this occasion. The Holy Cross congregation is doing an excellent service in this parish. All the parishioners have supported them. The pastoral mission is carried out here effectively. I thank the Holy Cross congregation for their immense service. I call upon the parishioners to be involved in the Udupi diocese activities actively and take responsibilities in the diocese.”
Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA Kaup Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Fr Lawrence D Almeida, former parish priests Fr Norbert Dmello, Fr Rony Fernandes, Fr Lawrence D Almeida, Fr Ronson D'Souza, resident priest Fr Preetham Menezes, Prabha Shetty, president Of Katapady grama panchayat, Walter Nandalike, donors of various projects of the Jubilee year, Fr Rajesh Prasanna, parish priest Fr Charles Menezes, dean, Udupi deanery Fr Roshan D'Souza, chancellor Bishop Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, priests and religious of the parish were felicitated on the occasion.
"Amruth Shinvor", a jubilee souvenir was released by Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop diocese of Udupi and other dignitaries. Church choir sang the Jubilee song written by Fr Cyril Lobo and director Divya Jyothii while music was arranged by Roshan Corderio Bejai.
Fr Lawrence D Almeida, representative of Holy cross South province, Prabha Shetty, president, Katapady grama panchayat, Prameela Jattanna, president Kote grama panchayat, Catherine Rodrigues, editor parish souvenir, Louis D'Silva, 20 commissions co-ordinator were present on the occasion.
Aaron Francis D'Souza, Diana Montheiro, Lenson Fernandes, Monica D'Souza compered the programme. Theresa Lobo, secretary, parish pastoral committee proposed a vote of thanks.