Karkal: Our Lady of Lourdes Church Kanajar, Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

By Vinod DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Kanajar, 17 May 2013: The platinum jubilee celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes Church Kanajar was held on the 16th of may, 2013. Bishop of Udupi diocese, Most Rev.Dr. Jerald Isac Lobo along with Vicar General Msgr.Dr.Baptist Menezes arrived at 9.15 a.m. Bishop then unveiled the bust of the founder of Our Lady of Lourdes Church Msgr.William.A.Lewis.

 

Later the donors, sponsors and murdom payers were honoured by offering blessed candles. The mass was then celebrated by the Bishop along with Vicar General of Udupi diocese, Vicar Forane of Karkala, Very Rev.Fr.John.A.Barboza and the parish priest Rev.Fr.Dr.John Mendonca.

 

In his homily the Bishop spoke about mother Mary and her obedience and also about the faith she had in Jesus. She asked the followers of Jesus to do what he asks them to do. There were 14 other priests from the neighbouring parishes who attended the jubilee celebration service.

 

Soon after the mass, all the parishioners and guests gathered at Kanajar Souhardha Bhavan for a stage program. The Bishop was the presided over the function. The program started with a prayer song sung by the church choir group. The gathering was welcomed by the parish priest our own Rev.Fr.Dr.John Mendonca. The special Souvenir to mark the platinum jubilee celebration was released by the chief guest Msgr.Dr.Baptist Menezes. He also read the message sent from the Vatican by Pope Francis on this occasion.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of bible quiz, cultural competitions which were conducted earlier. The main attraction of the program was felicitation of the priests and vice presidents of the parish so far. Bishop, Vicar General and Vicar Forane were also felicitated on behalf the parishioners.

 

Mr. Ignatius D’Souza, vice president of the parish council gave the vote of thanks. At 12.35p.m. program was concluded with a blessing on the luch by Vicar Forane, Very Rev.Fr.John.A.Barboza. Lunch was then served to all the parishioners and guests and people from other communities.