Udupi: Foundation stones for three Diocesan Projects blessed by Bishop Gerald Lobo

By Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

 

Udupi, 15 Oct 2015: To mark the completion of three years of the foundation of the Diocese of Udupi and installation of Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo as the first Bishop of the diocese, foundation stones for three diocesan projects, namely, Pastoral Centre, Minor Seminary and Home for Retired Priests were blessed and symbolically laid at the Kinnimulky Diocesan Land on Thursday, 15 October 2015 at 10 am. Vinay Kumar Sorakae, Minister for Urban Development and In-charge Minister of Udupi District was  the chief guest. Rev. Msgr. Baptist Menezes, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese and Alphonse D’Costa, Secretary of Diocesan Pastoral Council were also on the dais. The function was attended by a large number of priests from different parishes of the diocese, religious men and women and Vice Presidents and Secretaries of Parish Pastoral Councils and invitees.

 

Prefacing his welcome address, Rev. Msgr. Baptist Menezes said that the diocese neither had the courage or funds to start the diocesan projects but have strong faith in Almighty God and goodwill of the people through which he hoped and believed that these projects would see the light of the day.

 

Prior to the blessing of the three foundation stones meant for the three Diocesan Projects, Bishop Gerald Lobo conducted the prayer service in which the choir and other persons from Udyavar Church along with Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Roque D’Souza participated.

 

Vinay Kumar Sorake symbolically laid the foundation of the Home for Retired Priests which will be constructed in Kallianpur on the land opposite to the Cathedral by placing the round plastic box containing the medal with the image of Our Lady of Miracles, Relic, Rosary, a small Cross and the coin bearing the date, month and year (15-10-2015) in the cavity in the centre of the foundation stone and covering it with cement. Similarly, Bishop Gerald Lobo laid the foundation for the Pastoral Centre will  be built on the same land where the function was held and Alphonse D’Costa laid the foundation stone for the Minor Seminary.

 

In his address Vinay Kumar Sorake said that he considered himself fortunate to lay the foundation stone for the Home for Retired Priests as they are the persons who serve the society and dedicate their lives for the benefit of the community. He complimented Bishop Gerald Lobo for completing three years as the Bishop of Udupi and wished him well for all the projects of the diocese. He also assured government help to the projects.

 

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo in his speech endorse the preliminary remarks made by Msgr. Baptist Menezes and reiterated that with a strong faith in God and goodwill of the people of the diocese the three basic projects would be completed. The Bishop further said that during the first three years attempts were made to build the community and the community has come forward to give support to the projects. He recalled his visit to the Gulf countries recently along with Rev. Msgr. Baptist Menezes and Rev.Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of the diocese and the overwhelming support that the people of the diocese working in the Gulf countries had promised  and it was they who insisted that the Bishop should start the projects and financial help would follow. The Bishop explained the nature and purpose of these three basic projects.

 

The Pastoral Centre would have three phases: Administrative building for 18 Commissions; Training centre and an Auditorium for major diocesan functions. As a number of priests have crossed the age of 65 years, a home for the priests who would retire at the age of 75 has become essential as those priests who spend their lives in the service of the church and people should have a decent place to spend their retired life. The third project, Minor seminary is essential as the prospective candidates for priesthood have to be identified and trained before sending them to seminaries for priestly training.

 

Alphonse D’Costa proposed the vote of thanks and Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa effectively anchored the programme.