Mangalore: Grand Finale marks the conclusion of Post Centenary Silver Jubilee of Mangalore Diocese
By John V. Tauro, Bendur, Mangalore
Bellevision Media Network
Mangalore, 13 February 2012: The Post Centenary Silver Jubilee of the foundation of the Mangalore Diocese concluded with a grand finale at Nehru Maidan, on Sunday February 12, 2012 witnessed by mammoth gathering of thousands of people along with a large number of Bishops, priests, religious men and women and prominent personalities in society and government including the chief minister of Karnataka, DV Sadananda Gowda and Veerappa Moliy, minister in the Central Government.
The Post Centenary Silver Jubilee Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Dr Savio Hon Tai-Fai SDB, Secretary, Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Vatican, Rome, assisted by Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza,Bishop of Mangalore, Archbishop of Mumbai- Rev. Dr Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Rev. Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore and Vatican Apostolic Nuncio in India, Fr Salvatore Pennacchio along with hundreds of priests from the diocese of Mangalore.
Prior to the start of the Jubilee Mass, Rev. Dr Savio handed over a ciborium presented by Pope Benedict XVI to Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore as memento of Post-Centenary Silver Jubilee. Mangala Jyoti director Fr Boniface Pinto conducted the liturgical service.
Rev. Dr. Savio in his homily greatly appreciated the contribution of Mangalore Diocese in terms of priestly and religious vocations and said that the diocese has been in the forefront in sending priests and nuns to different parts of India and the world. Dr. Savio also pointed out the importance of family prayers.
Soon after the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, stage programme was organized that was presided over by Fr Pennachio. Archbishop of Mumbai Rev. Dr. Oswald Cardinal Gracias was the chief guest on the occasion. The list of guests of honour included the chief minister of Karnataka-DV Sadananda Gowda and Union Minister-Veerappa Moily.
Rev. Dr. Savio Hon Tai-Fai felicitated 24 bishops and archbishops including those hailing from different parishes of Mangalore Diocese. They included Delhi Archbishop Vincent Consesso (Puttur), Bangalore Archbishop Bernard Moras (native of Kuppepadav), Patna Archbishop William D’Souza (Ammembal), Shimoga Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo (Agrar), Bellary Bishop Henry D’Souza (Kinnigoli), Gulbarga Bishop Robert Miranda (Kinnigoli) and Allahabad Bishop Isidore Fernandes (Kalathur).
After honouring the Bishops and Archbishops, Rev. Dr. Savio praised the diocese for preserving the Catholic faith in spite of many difficulties including persecutions.
DV Sadananda Gowda released the souvenir of the Post Centenary Silver Jubilee titled ‘Kurpecho Ulo’. In his message to the mammoth gathering Sadananda Gowda appreciated the contribution of the Christian institutions in the field of education, health and social service through old age homes and orphanages. He said that a provision of Rs.50 crores has been made for the development of institutions run by Christians. He made an appeal to all people of the state to work hand in hand and strive for the development of the society. Rev. Dr. Aloysius D’Souza felicitated Sadanand Gowda by offering him shawl, garland and memento.
Union Minister for Corporate Affairs M Veerappa Moily thanked the diocese for producing a number of bishops, archbishops, priests and nuns. He said that he came across priests working for the poor wherever he went either in north or south India. He also lauded the contribution of Christians in the field of education, health and social service. He urged the people to promote communal harmony by following the teachings of Jesus Christ, Swami Vivekananda, Mother Theresa, and Dalai.
Archbishop of Mumbai Rev. Dr. Oswald Cardinal Gracias appreciated the contributions of Mangalorean entrepreneurs in Mumbai. He also praised the service of priests and nuns from Mangalore Diocese in education and health care.
In his presidential address, Fr Pennachio thanked the entire congregation including laities of Mangalore diocese for their good work and contributions of Mangalorean missionaries worldwide.
Nalin Kumar Kateel (MP), MLA U T Khader (MLA), Yogish Bhat (Deputy Speaker of the Karnataka State Assembly), Nagaraj Shetty (CDA Chairman), Rev. Fr. Denis Moras Prabhu (Vicar General), Sushil Noronha (Post Centenary Silver Jubilee Celebrations Executive Committee Secretary), Capt Ganesh Karnik(MLC), Mohammed Kunhi (MLA), Channappa Gowda(DC), Seemant Kumar Singh (Police Commissioner) and Padmanabha Kottari(Dakshina Kannada district BJP President) were also present during the function.
Soon after the programme, ‘Chaithanyodaya,’ a dance, drama accompanied with visuals was performed by 300 artistes which introduced the rich history of the diocese. The ballet depicted the birth, growth and future of Mangalore diocese.
The play began with the history of creation, birth of Jesus, his preachings and disciples. More focus was given to St Thomas, the disciple of Jesus who came to India. It was followed by other important incidents that happened from the 1st to the 16th century, arrival of St Francis Xavier to India which was followed by the migration of Christians from Goa to Canara. The play also emphasised on the integration of Catholics with the local culture with a dance on celebartion of Monthi fest and the persecution of Christians in Srirangapatna by Tippu Sultan.
Towards the end, the play depicted the formation of Mangalore Diocese in 1887, the first Bishop Pagani and various milestones achieved by the diocese. As many as 300 artistes from Alva’s College, Fr Mullers, St Joseph Seminary, St Antony’s ashram and White Doves practiced for the play for nearly a month.
Rev. Msgr.Denis Moras Prabhu, Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese proposed the vote of thanks. Titus, Fr Prashant Madtha, and Dr Reena Alva compeered the programme.