Karkala, Miyar Dec 9: The platinum jubilee celebrations of St Dominic’s Church, Miyar took off with great pomp and joy at the Church premises on Wednesday December 9, 2015.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi, presided over the Eucharistic celebrations and also inaugurated the extended Miyar parish hall.
Bishop Gerald said in his introductory message said that the good Lord through St Dominic has blessed, protected, and guided us in every step for the past 75 years. St Dominic is the source of energy for our faith in God. The name ‘Dominic’ means 'Belong to God'. Truly he gave himself totally for the service to God. Today one must follow him for his three principles: Prayer; compassion for the poor and the marginalised; thirdly his devotion to Mother Mary.
Fr George D'Souza, director, St Lawrence Shrine, Attur delivered the homily, and said that Jubilee is an occasion to Thank God for all His blessings. It's also an opportunity to come back to the Lord if we have gone astray. Jubilee is also an occasion to get reconciled with our brothers and sisters and belong to the one family of God and one community of faithful.
The Thanksgiving Eucharist was followed by a formal function. Bishop Gerald presided over the function.
Bishop Gerald in his address said, "We have with us memories, happy or not happy, but at this moment, we have reason to celebrate. What was a seed 75 years ago is now grown into a huge tree providing shelter to almost 450 families. The celebrations may end tomorrow, but our spiritual journey has to continue, filled with love and service.
"When Fr Jerome had come to me asking for advice on how to celebrate the jubilee, I had suggested him to also remember the needy and poor on this occasion. Fr Jerome complied and today started a new initiative ‘Vidyasiri’, where the poor children will be assisted and a house for a needy person in the parish will be built. This will surely help you all earn special blessings from God," he said. he invoked God's blessing on everyone.
Fr Joswey Fernandes, the Dean of Karkala Deanery in his address appreciated the entire development programme taken up during this occasion by the parishioners. He congratulated the priests and parishioners and wished them well in the coming years.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, urban development minister of the Govt. of Karnataka and Udupi district in-charge said, "This event should be written in the golden letters in the history of Miyar Parish. This church has continuously catered to the spiritual and social needs of the people. Christianity in India has contributed a lot to the field of education." He acknowledged the selfless contributions and service of Mother Teresa. He also congratulated Fr Jerome and the parishioners on their efforts. He also briefly explained the upcoming government projects in Karkala especially near Attur Shrine.
Gopal Bhandary, former MLA, Karkala constituency, urged the congregation to build a society filled with love, service and sacrifice rather than spreading hatred. He said, "We want acts that motivate us to do good to the society, and we find them in all the religious places."
A cheque of Rs 6 lac was handed over to Fr Jerome by the Parishioners of Miyar towards the scheme ‘Vidyasiri’. This fund will be used for the educational requirements of needy and poor children.
A house built under the supervision and funding of the parishioners was handed over to Mr Baptist D'Souza, by Vinay Kumar Sorake.
All the priests and religious of Miyar Church, benefactors and all those who contributed generously were felicitated on this occasion.
Bishop Dr Gerald and Fr Jerome Monteiro were also felicitated on this occasion. 'Mayamog', a magazine was released commemorating the 75 years of the the Parish
Fr Jerome Monteiro, Fr Pascal Menezes, parish priest, St Theresa Church, Kera, Nirmala, president, gram panchayat, Miyar, Gerald D’Silva, vice-president, parish pastoral council, and Fredrick Rodrigues were the other dignitaries on the dais.
Fr Jerome Monteiro welcomed the gathering, Rayan Mendonca, secretary, parish pastoral council compered the programme while Gerald D’Silva, vice-president, parish pastoral council proposed the vote of thanks.
The Jubilee took off to a colourful start on 6 December with the Confraternity Sunday. The closing ceremony of the platinum jubilee celebrations were held on Thursday December 10.
