The renovated St Francis Xavier Church, Mudarangadi, was blessed and inaugurated in a grand ceremony on December 3, 2024, coinciding with the feast of St. Francis Xavier. This landmark event brought together clergy, parishioners, and dignitaries in a celebration of faith and community.
The day commenced with Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, blessing the newly constructed Our Lady of Vailankanni Grotto near the church. The Bishop then cut the ceremonial ribbon and opened the majestic main door of the renovated church, marking the beginning of the blessing ceremony.
The inauguration and solemn blessing of the church were led by Bishop Gerald Lobo in the presence of V. Rev. Dr Roshan D’Souza, Chancellor and Judicial Vicar of Udupi Diocese; V. Rev. Dr Leslie D’Souza, Dean of Shirva Deanery; Rev. Fr Fredrick D’Souza, Parish Priest of Mudarangadi, Several priests from Udupi and Mangalore Dioceses, Religious men and women, parishioners, and esteemed guests
The solemn inauguration was followed by a Eucharistic Celebration, concelebrated by many priests, enhancing the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Following the Mass, a vibrant felicitation program was organized. The event began with a captivating welcome dance performed by the children of the parish. The dais was graced by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese; Mr Ivan D’Souza, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council; Mr Vinay Kumar Sorake, Former MLA, Kapu; Rev. Fr Fredrick D’Souza, Parish Priest of Mudarangadi; V. Rev. Dr Leslie D’Souza, Dean of Shirva Deanery; Mr David D’Souza, Former President, Mudarangadi Grama Panchayath; Rev. Sr Maria Lobo, Superior, Mudarangadi Convent; Mrs Falvia D’Souza, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council, Mudarangadi; Mr Richard Vaz, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Mudarangadi
Addressing the gathering, Mr Ivan D’Souza, Mr Vinay Kumar Sorake, V. Rev. Dr Leslie D’Souza, and Rev. Fr Fredrick D’Souza commended the unity and dedication of the parish community in transforming the church into a magnificent house of worship.
The ceremony also honored donors, engineers, contractors, and former parish priests, whose contributions were pivotal to the success of this project.
In his presidential speech, Bishop Gerald Lobo congratulated the parish priest and parishioners for their unwavering commitment to this remarkable achievement. He noted that the church's beauty and grandeur were a testament to the love, sacrifice, and labor of the people of Mudarangadi. The Bishop expressed his joy that the parish’s long-held dream had become a reality and extended his best wishes for the feast of St. Francis Xavier.
As a mark of appreciation, Bishop Lobo, on behalf of the Diocese of Udupi, felicitated Rev. Fr Fredrick D’Souza for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the renovation project.
Mrs Falvia D’Souza welcomed the gathering, and Mr Richard Vaz proposed the vote of thanks. The program was compered skillfully by Rev. Fr Richard Quadros OFMCap and Mrs Janet Barboza.
The event concluded with a fellowship meal, bringing together the clergy, parishioners, and guests in a spirit of unity and gratitude.
The blessing and inauguration of the renovated St Francis Xavier Church is a momentous occasion in the history of Mudarangadi Parish. It stands as a symbol of faith, love, and the collective efforts of its vibrant community, ushering in a new chapter of spiritual enrichment and growth.