Udupi/Shirva: Centenary of Our Lady of Health Church celebrated with solemn thanksgiving mass, felicitation and community meal

By Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 31 Jan 2015: The Centenary of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva was celebrated on Saturday, 31 January 2015 in a memorable manner with solemn thanksgiving mass offered by four Bishops-Most Rev. Dr. Aloysisu P. D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore as the chief celebrant, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, Most Rev. Dr. Antony Fernandes, retired Bishop from Bareily and Most Rev. Dr. Pius D’Souza, Bishop of Ajmer along with Msgr. Batist Menezes, Vicar General of Udupi, Rev. Fr. Riachard Coelho, former parish priest of Shirva, Rev. Fr. Pedro Camillo Simoens, Pallotine Provincial and Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro, present parish priest of Shirva. Besides, many priests from Shirva Deanery and other guest priests from other parishes were present for the concelebration.

 

The solemn thanksgiving mass was celebrated in the huge pandal to the left side of the church which was filled to capacity. Nearly 4,000 faithful from Shirva and neighbouring parishes attended the mass.

 

In his homily, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo highlighted the importance of Mother Mary in the Eucharist. He narrated the close link between Mary and the Eucharist as she became the Mother of Jesus and participated in His mission of salvation of mankind.

 

Rev. Fr. Prakash Anil Castelino, assistant parish priest of Shirva made the necessary announcement.

 

Following the end of the mass, felicitation function was organized. Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo presided over the function. Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza was the chief guest and guests of honour included Most Rev. Dr. Antony Fernandes, Most Rev. Dr. Pius D’Souza, Msgr. Batist Menezes,  Rev. Fr. Pedro Camillo Simoens and Oscar and Blossom Fernandes. Wilson D’Souza-vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council and secretary William Machado were also on the dais.

 

Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro in an emotin-filled voice warmly welcomed the guests and the gathering for the centenary celebration of the church.

 

Former parish priests of Shirva-Rev. Fr. Valerian Pinto and Rev. Fr. Richard Coelho were honoured on this occasion by offering them shawl, jasmine garlands, fruit tray and memento in the form of the statue of Our Lady of Health. Similarly, present parish priest Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro was also honoured.

 

 

 

 

Next, those assistant parish priests who had served in the parish and those priests who had served as lecturers or principals in St. Mary’s PU College or St. Mary’s Degree College were also felicitated.

 

Former vice presidents and present vice president as well as former secretaries and  present secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council were honoured for their service in the parish.

 

For the renovation of the church a lot of expenditure was incurred and the amount was generously donated by the parishioners. All those donors who had contributed one lakh rupees and above were honoured on this occasion.

 

Most Rev. Dr. Antony Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Pedro Camillo Simoens, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza and Msgr. Baptist Menezes were next felicitated.

Addressing the gathering, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza expressed happiness over the opportunity provided to him by both Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro and Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo to offer the solemn thanksgiving mass on the occasion of the centenary celebration of Our Lady of Health Church. He greatly appreciated the progress that has been made by the Shirva parishioners and reminded them that it was the ancestors of the parishioners who had preserved the strong faith which has been like spring that has been flowing through one generation to the other. He complimented Fr. Tauro and all the parishioners for organizing such a wonderful centenary function and wished them well.

Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, who had served Shirva parish as an assistant parish priest and presently the Bishop of Udupi Diocese was felicitated to the great applause of the parishioners.

Speaking at this occasion, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo briefly narrated the history of the church and pointed out that it was one hundred years ago that the two separate  churches came together and established a single united church of whose centenary is being celebrated. He also urged the parishioners to preserve the faith that has been passed on by the ancestors and transmit even stronger faith to the future generations.

As a mark of appreciation for the leadership and guidance that has been provided by the parish priest of Shirva, Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro,  Bishop Gerald Lobo offered him a shawl. With great humility and gratitude, Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro announced that he accepted the honour on behalf of all the parishioners of Shirva.

Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro offered mementos to Oscar and Blossom Fernandes.

Wilson D’Souza, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council proposed the vote of thanks. Grynal D’Mello compeered the programme.

Following the grace befire the meal by Msgr. Baptist Menezes, the community meal-“Mahaannasantharpane" was served to all those who not only attended the solemn centenary mass but also to all the people of Shirva and neighbouring villages irrespective of religion or community. The community meal was served in a huge pandal that was erected on the right side of the church. There were 20 counters along with additional counters for extra food. The vegetarian food was served by college student volunteers. The arrangements were excellent and there was utmost discipline.

The entire centenary celebration was organized in a meticulous and efficient manner. The various committees formed for the smooth and flawless conduct of the programmes did excellent job and the credit for such a wonderful function goes to the parish priest Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro, vice president and secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Wilson D’Souza and William Machado, all the members of the council and above all  to the parishioners of Shirva.