Udupi/M’Belle: St. Lawrence Community Hall-Souharda Soudha Inaugurated and Dedicated to the People

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 2 Dec 2018: A landmark was created in the History of Moodubelle as the beautifully constructed magnificent  Community Hall-Souharda Soudha was inaugurated, blessed and dedicated to the people jointly by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese and Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza, Archbishop of Archdiocese of Agra and native  of Moodubelle in the presence of a large number of priests, religious, parishioners and the villagers of Mooddubelle on Sunday, 2 December 2018.

 

The inauguration and blessing of the Community Hall was preceded by solemn thanksgiving mass offered by Bishop  Gerald Isaac Lobo, Archbishop Albert D’Souza along with Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Moodubelle and other priests.

 

Delivering the homily, Fr. Valerian Mendonca reminded the people about the beginning of the period of Advent in preparation for the Christmas. Giving a number of examples, Fr. Valerian Mendonca impressed upon the faithful the need to prepare oneself  for the coming of Jesus Christ.

Soon after the mass, people assembled in front of the newly constructed Community Hall.  Archbishop Albert D’Souza inaugurated the Community Hall by cutting the ribbon tied across the main door at the entrance to the hall. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo unveiled the granite slab that included the date of the laying of the foundation stone by Fr. Valerian D’Souza and the inauguration and blessing of the Community Hall by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo. 

 

Bishop Gerald Lobo conducted the prayer service and thereafter both  Bishop Gerald Lobo and Archbishop Albert D’Souza  blessed the hall. Meanwhile people entered and occupied the allotted seats. 

 

The felicitation function commenced with the prayer dance by the students of St. Lawrence English Medium High School, Moodubelle. 

 

The dignitaries were escorted to the dais by Fr. Clement Mascarenhas and Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest. The dignitaries included Archbishop Albert D’Souza who presided over the felicitation function, Bishop Gerald Lobo,  Rev. Msgr. Baptist Menezes-Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, Fr. Valerian Mendonca-Dean of Udupi Deanery, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Fr. Lawrence Cutinha,  Mrs. Ranjani Hegde-President of Belle Grama Panchayat, William Aranha- Donor and  Philanthropist from Qatar, Ronald Sabi D’Souza- Donor  and Philanthropist from Dubai, Wilfred Menezes-Donor and Philanthropist from Dubai, Vincent Fernandes-Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council and Mrs. Latha D’Mello-Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council.

Following the welcome address by  by Fr. Clement Mascarenhas,  the donors and philanthropists-William Aranha, Ronald Sabi D’Souza and Wilfred Menezes were honoured by Archbishop Albert D’Souza, Bishop Gerald Lobo and the dignitaries on the dais. They were introduced to the audience by Ms. Sara D’Souza and Mrs. Justine Mendonca. 

 

In their brief message all the three honoraries complimented Fr. Clement Mascarenhas and all the parishioners for having such a magnificent Community Hall comparable to international standards. They expressed happiness that they were associated with the project which was the need of the people, an auditorium with modern facilities and amenities.

Elias D’Souza, the Project Engineer was felicitated on this occasion for his vision, planning and execution of the entire project within stipulated time with superb skill and professional touch. He was felicitated by Archbishop Albert D’Souza, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo and Fr. Clement Mascarenhas.  Elias D’Souza was introduced by Dr. Judith Lobo.

 

As the chief guest of the function, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, in his speech  said that the parishioners of Moodubelle under the leadership of Fr. Clement Mascarenhas have thought of a project that would last for a long time to come. He further said that  this Community Hall  appropriately called "Sauharda Saudha" could be considered as the best one in the entire Udupi Diocese and gave full credit to Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Parish Pastoral Council,  all the parishioners and the Project Engineer Elias D’Souza. 

 

As a token of appreciation on behalf of the diocese,  Bishop Gerald Lobo honoured Fr. Clement Mascarenhas by offering him shawl and flower bouquet.

 

Donors from 2.5 lakh  to 10 lakh rupees were felicitated by  Fr. Valerian Mendonca and Mrs. Ranjani Hegde-President of Belle Grama Panchyat.

 

Next, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas and Fr. Lawrence Cutinha were honoured for their service to the parish in general and for their leadership in the construction of the Community Hall by Archbishop Albert D’Souza and Bishop Gerald Lobo respectively.  Henry Fernandes  read the citation in honour of both Fr. Lawrence and Fr. Clement.

 

Fr. Clement Mascarenhas felicitated John Rebello who installed Air-conditioning to the Community Hall, Alphonse Alva for electrical work and Cyprian D’Souza for the wood work. 

 

All those donors who had contributed one lakh and more rupees were honoured by  Fr. Clement Mascarenhas and Fr. Lawrence Cutinha by offering them mementos  and flower bouquets.

All those donors who had contributed one lakh and more rupees were honoured by  Fr. Clement Mascarenhas and Fr. Lawrence Cutinha by offering them mementos  and flower bouquets.

 

The list of names of all the donors was read by Sr. Irene Viegas, Headmistress of Belle Church Aided Higher Primary School, Moodubelle.

 

In his presidential  address, Archbishop Albert D’Souza  narrated his experience as a student right from higher primary to secondary school in Moodubelle. He said that ‘Belle’ which means beautiful in English language has made great progress in every respect, especially in terms of education and socio-economic life. The construction of the Community Hall has indeed marked the zenith of the growth of Moodubelle and  appreciated the planning, designing and construction of such an elegant and superb hall that could be considered as the best in the Udupi District. 

 

Archbishop Albert D’Souza released the parish magazine ‘Suvaad’ on this occasion. 

 

Fr. Clement Mascarenhas presented mementos to all the dignitaries on the dais.

 

Fr. Lawrence Cutinha proposed the vote of thanks. 

 

The Thanksgiving Mass and the inaugural function was attended by Fr. Denis D’Sa-Parish Priest of Shirva and Dean of Shirva Deanery, Fr. Fred Mascarenhas-Parish Priest of Padukone and brother of Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Fr. Valerian D’Souza-former Parish Priest of Moodubelle, Fr. Frederick D’Souza-Parish Priest of Manipal, Fr. Mahesh D’Souza-Principal of Don Bosco CBSE High School, Shirva, Fr. Prakash  Lobo (OFM Cap) and other priests.

 

Mrs. Maria Barboza-Headmistress of St. Lawrence English medium High School and Ms. Ancita D’Souza compeered the programme.

 

Msgr. Baptist Menezes recited grace before meals.