Media Release
Karkala, Apr 17: A new Capuchin friary and counselling centre was inaugurated on April 16 at Nitte Karkala.
Fr John Alwyn Dias the provincial minister of Holy Trinity Province Karnataka, Fr Dolphy Pais former provincial minister, along with councillors inaugurated the friary by cutting the ribbon. Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo blessed the new Capuchin friary and the centre.
A solemn holy eucharist was presided over by the bishop, concelebrated by many Capuchin friars, diocesan clergy, religious and laypeople. Fr Chetan Lobo, PRO of Udupi diocese, preached a homily. During the eucharist, the bishop blessed the new chapel, sprinkling holy water and incensing the holy Cross, the altar and the tabernacle. The melodious choir was sung by novices of Farangipet led by Fr Joel Lopes.
A felicitation programme was held in the hall after the holy eucharist. On the occasion, the superior of the new friary, Fr Maxim Pinto welcomed all the dignitaries namely, Fr Alwyn Dias, bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Fr Paul Melwyn D'Souza the vicar provincial, Fr Peter Cyprian the counsellor, Fr George D'Souza parish priest of Attur, Fr Dolphy Pais and Sathish panchayat member.
Sathish inaugurated the new counselling centre. Jeevan and Shanthi the donor of the land, architect, Praveen, contractor, Umesh, Ronald Lobo, Sunil were felicitated on the occasion with a shawl, fruit basket and flower basket as a token of gratitude.
Fr George D'Souza said, “It is good that Capuchins must try to help out the youth who are studying at Nitte College and contribute to the wellbeing of the youth and people of the surrounding vicinity.”
The bishop in his speech called out to the Capuchins to help the families of the Udupi diocese in counselling, especially the students, youth of the surrounding vicinity in times of problems and mental agony.
Fr Alwyn Dias thanked all those who helped to build the Counselling Centre specially Jeevan and Shanthi the donors of the land of the province of Foggia for economic solidarity, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo for supporting the new venture at the Udupi diocese, parish priest of Attur Fr George for all the support.
A sumptuous meal was served to all the participants after the event.
The members of ‘Kripa Kiran’ are Fr Maxim Pinto superior, Fr Manoj D'Souza director of the Counselling Centre, Fr Sunil the treasurer and Br Victor the member.