Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EC)
Karkala, Dec 9: The platinum jubilee celebrations at St Dominic’s Church, Miyar took off with great pomp and joy at the Church premises here on Wednesday December 9.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, presided over the Eucharistic celebrations and also inaugurated the extended Miyar parish hall.
In the introductory message of the mass, Bishop Dr Gerald said, "Lord through St Dominic has blessed, protected, and guided us in every step from the past 75 years. St Dominic is the source of energy for our faith in God. The name ‘Dominic’ means 'Belong to God'. Truly he gave himself in the service to God. Today one must follow him for his three principles. One, he led a life of prayer; two, being inspired by St Francis of Assisi, he led a compassionate and charismatic life; and three, he was a great devotee of Mother Mary. Let us take him as an example in our day-to-day life."
Fr George D'Souza, director, St Lawrence Shrine, Attur delivered the homily, and said, "God has blessed us abundantly and we have gathered here to thank Him for everything, for he has made many wonders happen for us in the past 75 years. God uses many ways to bring us back to Him when we are lost. He showers on us His love and blessings as he is a true Father to us.
"Back in those days our ancestors were taught to pray. Right from the moment one woke up, till one one went back to sleep, one prayed at different times thanking and asking for guidance and more. The altar was given a prime place in every house and life. Such was the devotion. But today things have changed. The worldly things are given much importance. The modern gadgets have taken over the prayer as well as the altar. The faith that was carried forward by our ancestors, have we able to follow it? Is God’s will our command in life? Let St Dominic, a man of prayer led us through this scenario. Let us love our neighbor as we love God and ourselves in order to attain a peaceful afterlife."
As many as 18 priests partook in the Eucharistic celebration.
Fr Jerome Monteiro, parish priest, Miyar, thanked Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu for presiding over the Eucharistic mass on the vespers previously. He also thanked Fr Chetan Lobo, Capuchin and all those who were responsible for the successful celebrations.
The formal stage programme was inaugurated by bishop Dr Gerald Lobo, who presided over the ceremony, along with Fr Joswi Fernandes, vicar var of Karkala deanery, the chief guest, by lighting the lamp.
Bishop Gerald in his address said, "We have with us memories, bitter or happy, but at this moment, we have reason to celebrate. What was a seed 75 years ago is now a huge tree providing shelter to almost 450 families. The celebrations may end tomorrow, but our journey has to continue, filled with love, spirituality and service.
"When Fr Jerome had come to me asking for advice on how to celebrate the jubilee, I had suggested him to also remember the needy and poor on this occasion. Fr Jerome complied and today started a new initiative ‘Vidyasiri’, where the poor children will be assisted and a house for a needy person in the parish will be built. This will surely help you all earn special blessings from God," he said, blessing and congratulating everyone.
Fr Joswi in his address appreciated the entire development programme taken up during this occasion by the parishioners. He congratulated the priests and parishioners and wished them well in the coming years.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, urban development minister and Udupi district in-charge said, "This event should be written in the golden annals of the history of Miyar. This church has continuously catered to the spiritual and social needs of the people. Christianity in India has contributed a lot to the field of education." He acknowledged the selfless contributions and service of Mother Teresa. He also congratulated Fr Jerome and the parishioners on their efforts. He also briefly explained the upcoming government projects in Karkala especially near Attur Shrine.
Gopal Bhandary, former MLA, Karkala constituency, asked the gathered to build a society filled with love, service and sacrifice rather than spreading hatred. He said, "We want acts that motivate us to do good to the society, and we find them in all the religious places."
A cheque of Rs 6 lac was handed over to Fr Jerome, under the new fund ‘Vidyasiri’, collected by the parishioners for the purpose of meeting the educational requirements of needy and poor children.
A house built by the supervision and funding of the parishioners was handed over to Baptist D'Souza, by Vinay Kumar Sorake.
All the priests and religious of Miyar Church, benefactors and all those who have contributed in the running of the church were felicitated.
Bishop Dr Gerald and Fr Jerome Monteiro were also felicitated on this occasion.
'Mayamog', a magazine was released commemorating the special occasion.
Fr Jerome Monteiro, Fr Pascal Menezes, parish priest, St Theresa Church, Kera, Nirmala, president, gram panchayat, Miyar, Gerald D’Silva, vice-president, parish pastoral council, and Fredrick Rodrigues were the other dignitaries on the dais.
Fr Jerome Monteiro welcomed the gathering, Rayan Mendonca, secretary, parish pastoral council compered the programme while Gerald D’Silva, vice-president, parish pastoral council proposed the vote of thanks.
The closing ceremony of the platinum jubilee celebrations will be held on Thursday December 10.