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Beltangady, Jan 2: “Naravi, once a remote place on the lap of the Western Ghats and Malnad Jungles has today been converted into education hub owing to the vision and the services of Fr Corti.  It stands tall among the education centres of Mangalore Diocese where education is imparted to people from all walks of life without any barriers of caste, creed, colour etc,” said Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore.

He was speaking from the presidential chair of the centenary celebrations of St Anthony’s Church, Naravi on Saturday December 31.  He was speaking after honouring the present parish priest of Naravi Church He also felicitated Fr Stany Rodrigues, parish priest.

Honouring the former parish priests and other priests who had served St Anthony’s Church in the past, Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy of Beltangady said, “Life of service is synonymous with the life of Christians. A glance at the society around us is a good proof for this. Life of a Christian is like a life of a sandalwood tree.  Even when someone cuts or chops the tree, it will never cease spreading its scent all around.”

Prabhakar Bangera, MLA, Beltangady released the souvenir.  In his address he said that Christian community is known for its services in the field of health and education. “It gives immense pleasure seeing Naravi grown into a famous education centre,” he added. Fr Jerald D’Souza, dean, Beltangady deanery, PUDDPI (Pre University Deputy Director of Public Instructions) Sheelavati Kolambe and Sr Rosy Cutinha, SCCG who were the guests of the programme spoke on the occasion. Naravi panchayat president too was present on the dais.

Fr. Francis Serrao, SJ rector, St Aloysius Institutions, Mangalore was honoured on this occasion on behalf of Fr Faustine Corti, who was a Jesuit.
 
Parish priest Fr Stany Rodrigues welcomed the gathering.  Fr Edwin Mascarenhas, principal of the Junior College and Eugene Dias, secretary, parish council, read the respective reports. Louis D’Silva, vice president, parish council proposed the vote of thanks. Vincent Rodrigues and Rita Pinto compered the programme. Hundreds of people participated in the centenary celebrations.  The programme was wound up with a family agape.