A mega Bible Exhibition at Anugraha, Pastoral Center of Udupi Diocese, was inaugurated on 1st of December 2023 at 9.30 am by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi. The Commissions of Bible and Charismatic Renewal of the Udupi Diocese envisaged this event a few months ago and held numerous meetings for its preparation and final implementation, the fruit of which resulted in a rare display of art, crafts, paintings, stills, etc.
The inauguration was marked by an ecumenical spirit by the presence of Rev. Ivan Soans, Pastor, CSI and Rev. M.C Mathai from Brahmavar Syrian Cathedral along with the Bishop of Udupi, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Vicar General, V. Rev. Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza, V. Rev Fr. Valerian Mendonca, Dean of Kallianpur deanery and V. Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, Dean of Udupi deanery along with a number of priests, religious and laity.
A short Prayer Service was held to mark the inaugural ceremony.Rev. Mathai led a meaningful prayer and beseeched God’s grace upon the exhibition. Br. Vincent from Kemmanu proclaimed the Word of God. As a mark of respect and devotion, Bishop Gerald incensed the big Konkani Bible. Fr Ferdinand opened the lotus in which all the names of the books of Bible were written on the petals. Rev. Ivan Soans opened the narrow gate leading to the Bible Hall where Bibles of different languages were displayed. All dignitaries passed through this narrow gate. Rev. Fr Charles opened the handwritten Bible and placed it on a pedestal. Rev. Fr Roque D’Souza, a member of coordination committee and parish priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Santhekatte, inaugurated a short documentary on Bible in the audio-visual room. The Bishop, in his message, thanked the coordinators and invited all to come and see this unique exhibition. The first day was dedicated to children. Around 1,500 children including a few adults visited the site and viewed the exhibition.
Earlier, in preparation for the Bible Exhibition, a story- telling competition was held at the diocesan level for the children. A Bible Proclamation event also was organized at the parish level. The exhibition was held from 1st Dec. to 3rd Dec. 300 volunteers from five deaneries assisted the pilgrims and guided them through the exhibition. More than 5500 people viewed the exhibition and wished that such Exhibitions should become a regular part of the Catechism and learning in our parishes.
Fr Cyril Lobo, Director of Divya Jyothi, the Biblical and Catechetical center of Udupi Diocese and Rev. Fr Vincent Crasta, the Director of Pastoral Institute, extended a warm welcome to all the enthusiastic viewers to view the exhibition and increase their knowledge of and love for the Word of God.