Renovated Presbytery of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle Inaugurated and Blessed

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 04 Aug 2024:The renovated Presbytery of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle was inaugurated by Rev. Msgr. Leslie F. Shenoy “Deo Gratias” Mangalore and blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese on Sunday, 04 August 2024 at 11.15 am.

 

Prior to the inauguration and blessing of the renovated presbytery, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo concelebrated Mass along with Rev. Msgr. Leslie F. Shenoy, Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Mendonca and Rev. Fr. George D’Souza, Parish Priest of Moodubelle.

 

In his homily, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo said that Pope Francis has proclaimed this year as the ‘Year of Prayer’. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo explained the importance of prayer in the life of an individual as well as in the life of the family. Giving examples of ‘men of prayer’ from the Old Testament  such as Abraham, Moses and David, the Bishop explained how faith and hope characterised the prayers of those servants of God. In the New Testament Jesus Christ Himself has been an example of prayer. The Bishop said that Jesus followed His mother, Mary and used prayer to have direct communication with His Father. He taught his disciples to pray through the famous prayer of all times “Our Father”. Quoting St. Augustine, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo said that the family that prays together, stays together. 

Soon after the Mass, people gathered in front of the renovated Presbytery. Rev. Msgr. Leslie F. Shenoy inaugurated the Presbytery by cutting the ribbon tied across the door and unveiling the plaque. Thereafter, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo conducted a brief prayer service and blessed the renovated Presbytery along with Rev. George D’Souza, the Parish Priest and Rev. Fr. Rickson Monteiro-Assistant Parish Priest.

 

A brief stage programme was held in the Parish Hall. Along with Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo and Rev. Msgrr. Leslie F. Shenoy, other dignitaries on the dais included Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Mendonca, Rev. Fr. Charles Meezes-Dean of Udupi Deanery, Rev. Fr. George D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Rickson Monteiro, Pritish Burton D’Sa-Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Charles Quadros-Secretary and Mrs. Gracy Rebello-Convener of 21 Commissions.  

 

Following the welcome address by Pritish D’Sa, Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza in his message said that he was sent to Moodubelle by the then Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza to rebuild the church, construct English School building  and Presbytery. After comp;eting the first two projects, he constructed the Presbytery. But due to paucity of funds he could build only a modest Presbytery which is being renovated with additional rooms and better facilities by the present Parish Priest Rev. Fr. George D’Souza. He complimented him for his foresight and wonderful work. 

On this occasion Mrs. Regina D’Souza, mother of the prime donor to the renovation of Presbytery Ronald Saby D’Souza was honoured by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo and other dignitaries.

 

Civil Contractor Vincent Fernandes as well as electrician Wilson Rebello were also felicitated for their dedicated work in the renovation of the Presbytery. 

 

Following his felicitation, Rev. Msgr. Leslie F. Shenoy, one of the chief donors to the renovation of the Presbytery assured further help in completing the project and congratulated Rev. Fr. George D’Souza for undertaking such an important work.

 

Finally, Rev. Fr. George D’Souza was honoured by the office bearers of the Parish Pastoral Council for undertaking the leadership of the renovation of the Presbytery.

In his speech, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo appreciated the leadership of Rev. Fr. George D’Souza in undertaking the renovation of the Presbytery, cooperation by the previous and present Assistant Parish Preissts-Rev. Fr. Pradeep Cardoza and Rev. Fr. Rickson Monteiro respectively and the whole hearted support given by the parishioners. The Bishop recalled the generous donations given by Rev. Msgr. Leslie F. Shenoy to various projects of the Udupi Diocese and also his philanthropic work in helping the needy and marginalised. 

 

In his thanksgiving address, Rev. Fr. George D’Souza said that any work undertaken keeping faith in God would be completed. He thanked Rev. Msgr. Leslie F. Shenoy for his generosity, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo for his guidance, all the donors and parishioners for their support, suggestions and prayers. 

 

Rev. Fr. Santosh Rodrigues-Director of the Passtoral Centre of the Mangalore Diocese and Rev. Fr. Antony Sera were present.

 

Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Charles Quaros compered the programme.