Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (GA) - pics - Praveen Tauro

Mangalore, May 18: Thursday May 18 was memorable day for the parishioners of the Queen of the Universe Parish Ranipura near Munnur here as the parish celebrated the 50 years of its existence.

The golden jubilee celebration on Thursday began with the solemn sung mass celebrated by Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza of Mangalore at 9.30 am.  Hundreds of devotees participated in the Eucharistic celebration. Parish priest Fr Valerian Menezes and many priests from the diocese concelebrated the mass.

A short stage programme was organized after the mass which was presided over by Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza of Mangalore while Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy of Beltangady, Bishop Jerald Issac Lobo of Shimoga and Fr Andrew D'Souza, vicar forane of Mangalore South deanery were also present on the dais.

Former state minister Blasius M D'Souza, former Ullal MLA K Jayram Shetty and Munnur panchayat president Ida Lobo were the chief guests on the occasion.

Former parish priests and parish council vice presidents were felicitated on the occasion.  The newly created website of Ranipura parish www.ranipurachurch.com was launched by Jayram Shetty while Blasius D'Souza released the golden jubilee souvenir "Bhangrallo Naman."

Bishop Aloysius D'Souza was felicitated on the occasion of completing 10 years as the Bishop of Mangalore diocese by parish priest Fr Valerian M Menezes.

While assistant parish priest Fr Vijay Machado welcomed the gathering, Jockim Cutinha proposed the vote of thanks.   Anita D'Souza and Raymond D'Souza compered the programme.

A colourful cultural programme will be held at 6.30 pm on Thursday.

A cultural programme will be held at 6 pm on Thursday evening.