Mumbai: Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo of newly-formed Udupi diocese Felicitated in Metro

By Rons Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 5 May 2014: Christians of Karnataka are hard working and united in spirit with brethrens of community.  They are also religious and spiritual in nature.  I feel proud because the newly-formed Udupi diocese is steadily progressing in governance among dioceses of India in a short span of time, said Mumbai Archbishop Cardinal Oswald Gracious.

Archbishop Cardinal Gracious was speaking during the felicitation of Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the first bishop of newly-formed Udupi diocese, at St Xavier’s Technical Institute, Mahim (West) here on Sunday May 4 evening.  The felicitation programme was organized by United Canarites Mumbai ® (UKM).

UKM president Albert W D’Souza Pangla  presided the programme here on Sunday evening.

The union minister for surface transport and national highways Oscal Fernandes and Blossom couple, national minority Commission former vice president Michael Pinto, Maharashtra minority Commission president Janet L D’Souza were the chief guests present.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister Oscar said that Udupi is a historical land, wherein Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama first set his foot in Indian soil.  The people of historical land are service oriented and also deeply religious.  It was even during pre-Independence era, the natives of Udupi thrived in businesses at Karachi, now metropolitan city of Pakistan.  It’s also commendable to form a new-diocese in Udupi and also meaningful to appoint Bishop Dr Lobo as its first bishop.  His pious life is indeed worthy to emulate to earn eternity, said minister Oscar.

Bishop Dr Lobo in acknowledgement of great honor bestowed on him by UKM said, ‘The honor goes to Jesus Christ, because I am his representative and also it goes to newly-formed Udupi diocese.  I accept it on behalf of my flock,’ said Bishop Dr Lobo.

Bishop Dr Lobo, further said, ‘The need of the hour is to pray daily family prayers as the universal church seeks.  The Word of God had to be read daily to live true Christian life that will lead to eternal living,’ said Bishop Dr Lobo.  He also thanked all in organizing such a programme.

The dignitaries Michael Pinto and Janet D’Souza also spoke on the occasion.

 

Bishop Dr Lobo was accorded traditional grand welcome ahead of the stage programme.  Bishop Dr Lobo celebrated the Holy Mass on the same occasion, along with Fr John Rumao, Fr Lancy Pereira and Fr Ronson D’Souza and delivered his homily.  Flora D’Souza Kalmady (Jerimeri) and Wilfred Fernandes read the scriptural readings.  Jacinta D’Souza the message of the day.

The programme began with the prayer dance by the artistes of Sangeeta Abhinaya Academy.  UKM president Albert W D’Souza welcomed the gathering.  Ronnie R Mendonca introduced Bishop Dr Lobo.  Abraham Clement Lobo, Rita D’Sa and Reuben Buthello compered the programme.

 

The food Committee convener John D’Silva, food Committee convener Walter Buthello, cultural Committee convener Lawwrence Charles Mulund, liturgical Committee convener Charles D’Cunha, bulletin Committee convener Lawrence Coelho, Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) founder president Vincent Mathias, CCCI president Henry Lobo and others presented bouquets to Bishop Dr Lobo and other dignitaries.

Lawrence D’Souza Kamani proposed vote of thanks.

 

 

A large number of religious priests and nuns including Sr Wenerander BS Mahim, Fr Baptist Pais, Fr Rudolph Pereira, Fr Adolph D’Souza, H R Alva Mangalore and Mumbaikars of erstwhile South Canara origin were present on the occasion.

Ma Tuje Pranam, Hindi dance recital based on the life of Blessed Mother Theresa was presented by the artistes of Sangeeta Abhinaya Academy directed by its director Fr Charles Vas.