The Golden Jubilee Celebration and the Blessing of the renovated Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at Nakre was held on 15th December, 2018.
The Bishop was welcomed by Rev. Fr Vincent Crasta, Mr Ligory Mendonca, Mr Nevil D’Souza, Mr George D’Souza and the parishioners at the entrance of the church. Later Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo blessed the Grotto.
The grand ceremony of the inauguration and blessing of the church was done by the Bishop in the presence of V. Rev. Fr Joswey Fernandes, Rev. Fr Vincent Crasta and a number of priests from Udupi and Mangalore Dioceses, Religious men, women and the parishioners and guests. The inauguration was followed by the Solemn Mass which was concelebrated by several priests.
After the Mass, a public felicitation program was held. Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi; V. Rev. Fr Joswey Fernandes, Dean of Karkal Deanery; Rev. Fr Vincent Crasta, Parish Priest of Nakre Church; Mr Ligory Mendonca, Vice President of Parish of Nakre Parish; Mr George D’Souza, coordinator of 18 Commissions Nakre Parish; Rev. Sr Precilla D’Mello, Superior General, Congregation of Helpers of Mount Rosary; Rev. Sr Cecilia Mendonca, Provincial, Congregation of Bethany; Rev. Fr Praveen Henry D’Souza, the provincial of Franciscans and others were present on the dais.
The programme began with the prayer song. Rev.Fr Praveen Henry D’Souza inaugurated the church magazine “Nakrechem Nekethr”. Rev. Fr Joswey Fernandes, Sr Rev. Sr Cecilia Mendonca, Rev. Sr Precilla D’Mello, Rev. Fr Praveen Henry D’Souza spoke on the occasion.
In his presidential speech, Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo said that in Indian culture, places of worship have a distinct place. The Bishop complimented the parish priest and people of the parish for their efforts in erecting a beautiful church building within a short period. He said that the people of Nakre have poured their love, sacrifice and labour into the construction of the new Church building. It was their dream which has become a reality.
On behalf of the Diocese of Udupi, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo felicitated Rev. Fr Vincent Lobo as a token of appreciation for his great work. Former parish priests, contractor, Engineer, Sponsors and donors were felicitated on the occasion.
Mr George D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Rev. Fr Vincent Crasta proposed the vote of thanks. Fellowship meal was served to all those who attended the inaugural function.