Daijiworld News Network - Kundapur/Padukone (GA) - pics - Vishwas Almeida

Kundapur, May 23: It was a day of great celebrations and joy for the parishioners of Padukone church as their church dedicated to the patronage of St Anthony was inaugurated by Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza of Mangalore after the renovation works on Tuesday May 23 evening.

The celebrations began with a warm welcome to Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza by parish priest Fr Philip Neri Aranha and Jacinth D'Souza, the "pirjent" (sponsor) for this year at 6.30 pm.  Later the Bishop inaugurated the renovated church. 

After the inauguration Kundapur varado dean Fr Anthony D Lobo led the para-liturgical celebrations of vespers (besp).  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament too was held on the occasion.  Parish priest Fr Philip Neri Aranha and more than 15 priests from the neighbouring parishes participated in the liturgical celebrations.

Jubilant devotees gathered in the church compound after the vespers. 

The renovation of the church was taken up in October 2005 and has reached the final stage. Under the leadership of church priest Fr Philip Neri Aranha, church governing council vice-president Philip D'Silva, parish council secretary Steven D'Souza, Chikkalli Robert D'Souza, Maxim D'Silva, Alex Antony D'Souza, Gratian Crasta, Kennedy Pereira, Philomena and Ivy Fernandes, the construction work of the church has been successfully completed.

The parish feast (vhodlem fest) will be held on Wednesday May 24.  The solemn Eucharistic celebrations will begin at 10.30 am. Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza will celebrate the Eucharist. 

On Thursday May 25, the sacrament of Conformation will be given to the eligible candidates by the Bishop