Pics: Melwyn Mascarenhas
Report: P Archibald Furtado

Udupi, Nov 2: Udupi diocesan priests' cemetery was inaugurated at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte on All Souls Day on Monday November 2.

Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop of the diocese was the chief celebrant of the Eucharistic celebrations. In his homily, the bishop explained the need to pray for the departed brethren, the meaning of the resurrection of bodies and the life everlasting in heaven with the risen Lord with references from Scripture.

Dr Gerald blessed the newly-built cemetery dedicated to the burial of the priests of Udupi diocese.

In his remarks, the bishop thanked the parishioners of Mount Rosary for generously donating space for the graveyard of the priests. "This place should not be one of fear, but a place to relax and to recall the memories of our forefathers. There is no separate graveyard for priests. The people who lived, who sacrificed their entire life will be with laity even after their departure from this world."

Fr Leslie D'Souza, the parish priest welcomed the gathering. Ronnie Saldanha, secretary of the parish pastoral committee proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Steevan Fernandes, the assistant parish priest and other parishioners were present on the occasion.

After their demise, priests of the Udupi diocese will be buried in this new cemetery.