Udupi: Statues of St Lawrence, Fr Roque Noronha found in river


Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 5: In a curious incident, two statues of historical figures were found by fishermen in Sita river here on Tuesday July 5.

The wooden statues were those of St Lawrence and Blessed Saint Fr Roque Zephrin Noronha.

Parish priest of Sasthan Church Fr John Walter said that he received a call from Valerian D'Souza of Hangarkatte in the morning saying that the statues were found floating near the port area. Fr Walter visited the spot and with the help of Valerian D'Souza, Vincent Banz, Santosh D'Almeida and a few non-Christian friends lifted the statue of St Lawrence from the river and brought it to the Sasthan church and installed it at ICYM stage.

It is learnt that the statues were found floating in the river by a few non-Christians on Monday July 4 but on the advice of elders, they did not lift them out. The statues were suck between a boat and the dockyard till this morning.

The statue of St Lawrence is made of one wooden log, five feet high, weighing around 40 kg, with one hand broken. The painting was done recently. It has been kept for public viewing.

The statue of Fr Roque Noronha, the Syrian priest was found floating near Kodi and the information about it was passed on to Fr Walter by a person named Vasudeva Kharvi. The statue was taken to SMS Church, Brahmavar.

There is no information yet on where the statues orginally came from, but unconfirmed sources said that both belonged to a house in Santhekatte.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Agnel D Souza, Udupi/ Kuwait

    Thu, Jul 07 2016

    I think these statues were from Syria or Iraq catholic or Syrian churches? There is a chance to move to east, from a month the wind is blowing from west or north west and the deep sea fishes also not eating the wood.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Edmond Pinto, Udupi

    Wed, Jul 06 2016

    The sea always throws up its dead. So whatever you throw will return to the shore but in another place due to the currents.

    These statues look brand new and certainly not of the Portuguese era and having antiquity. It could be some mischief and needs to be investigated. Whosoever is the owner , whether a Church or a Prayer Hall have not filed any missing complaint with the Police. This seems strange. Anyway " finders are keepers ".

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Paul Costa, Honnavar

    Wed, Jul 06 2016

    I think its of the Murdeshwar Church ( Bhatkal Taluk ). It was built by the Portugese 350 years ago. The Church is by the side of the beach in Murdeshwar Town. I remember seeing these statues in that Church.Please verify.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • J.F.D Souza, Attavar, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 06 2016

    But they have come in the river all of a sudden. These statues look very fresh as it they have been dumped recently. This needs to be investigated.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues., Frazer Town,Bangalore

    Wed, Jul 06 2016

    The authenticity of these statues need to be established and investigated.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • felix & shanthi d'costa, urwa/Muscat

    Wed, Jul 06 2016

    Considering the current wood price and labour charges who ever made these 2 statues must have spent huge sum of money and loater abandoned may be due to unknown reason or due to external forces,atleast they reached the hands of church authorities. May St.Lawrence bless those who made the statue,found and informed the church and who will adore before his Holy image for his burning love of God and may their prayers will be granted

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil Fernandes, Kotab

    Wed, Jul 06 2016

    Both the statues looks newly carved n painted for some prayer house. May be the flood waters brought them from western ghats side. Thanks to fishermen for rescuing these statues before they enter sea waters.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • jones, manipal

    Wed, Jul 06 2016

    That is a pretty big statue.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mavis Pinto, Udupi

    Wed, Jul 06 2016

    Surprising that nobody earlier had found these statues missing from their respective Churches / places or did it happen overnight ? This is a real mystery. No complaint was filed with the Police ? This incident needs to be investigated.

    DisAgree Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Wed, Jul 06 2016

    I am sure These statues were stolen and were ready to Transport,but weather was not in favour ,or were disturbed by someone,so they wanted to do next day?Nowadays,they steal everything,what not fixed and easy to Transport is.But God had other plans.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Nashville

    Tue, Jul 05 2016

    Mount Mary's statue was also found in the sea by fishermen ...

    DisAgree [9] Agree [56] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anonymous,

    Tue, Jul 05 2016

    Faith restored

    DisAgree [24] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Udupi: Statues of St Lawrence, Fr Roque Noronha found in river



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