Wilson D`Souza, Phoenix Digital Udupi
Daijiworld Regional Correspondent - Udupi
Bidar, March 10: It was a dream come true for the parishioners of Shirva. Their collective efforts in supporting the mission at Manigavpur have yielded results with the setting up of a magnificent church. A day of joy and jubilation, the newly built church of Our Lady of Health, Manigavpur, Bidar was inaugurated on Tuesday March 7.
Santhpur is one of the missionary centers of Bidar and covers 10 villages of which Manigavpur is one. Twelve catholic families live here with a population of around 50 members. Manigavpur had no church before and realizing this Fr Vincent Coelho the vicar of Bombil Parish requested Shirva parishioners for assistance in setting up a church in Manigavpur.
Responding to this need, the parishioners along with their parish priest Fr Valerian Pinto collected funds to the tune of Rs 3 lac towards the construction of the new church.
The church has been dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Health’ and was inaugurated by Fr Valerian Pinto on March 7, 2006. The occasion was graced by the Bishop of Gulbarga diocese Fr Robert M Miranda. Present on the occasion were Fr Thomas D'Souza, Fr Victor Machado, Fr Daniel D'Souza, Fr Praveen Martis, Fr Vincent Coelho and vice president of Shirva Parish Council Norbert Machado.
The solemn thanksgiving mass offered by the Bishop was followed by the blessing of the statue of Our Lady donated by Fr Valerian Pinto.
At the formal programme held thereafter, the Bishop was felicitated by the village members. Fr Daniel D'Souza presented a brief insight into the missionary activities conducted at Manigavpur. On the occasion the sisters of Maria Kripa Convent and Fr Valerian Pinto were honoured for the help extended to this mission center.
Manigavpur Gram Panchayat president and members also took part in the programme. A cultural programme was organized for the people gathered who numbered above 300.
At present Santhpur director Fr Daniel D'Souza, assistant priest Fr Praveen A Martis and Brother Jossie Sequeira are serving the mission centre.
Bishop of Gulbarga Fr Robert M Miranda can be contacted at bprmgulbarga@sancharnet.in