Shankerpura witnessed a momentous occasion on December 8, 2024, with the celebration of Community Day and the inauguration of the beautifully renovated St. John Sabha Bhavana. The event was marked by a sense of gratitude, unity, and joy, as parishioners and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the milestone in the history of St. John the Evangelist Church, Shankerpura.
The day commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese. He was joined by Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino, Parish Priest of Shankerpura; Rev. Fr. Rolwin Fernandes, Assistant Priest; Rev. Fr. Jencil Alva, Diocesan Secretary to the Office of Doctrine and Faith; Msgr. Rayan Alfred D’Souza, and other esteemed clergy.
Rev. Fr. Jencil Alva delivered an inspiring homily, emphasizing the importance of unity and commitment to faith. The congregation, moved by the meaningful message, participated wholeheartedly in the Eucharistic celebration.
Following the Mass, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo led the blessing ceremony of the renovated St. John Sabha Bhavana. Former vice presidents and secretaries of the Parish Pastoral Council, who were instrumental in constructing and renovating the hall, joined the Bishop in cutting the ribbon, marking the official inauguration. The Bishop blessed the hall with holy water during a solemn prayer service, dedicating it for community use.
The celebrations continued with a formal stage program. The event commenced with a prayer song by the parish choir, setting a spiritual tone. Dignitaries on the dais included Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese; Rev. (Dr) Fr Anil Castelino, Parish Priest of Shankerpura Parish; Msgr. Rayan Alfred D’Souza; Rev. Fr. Rolwin Fernandes, Assistant Priest; Mr Albert Wilfred D’Souza, Proprietor, Prytania Press, Mumbai; Dr Ronal Nazareth, Registrar, St. Aloysius Deemed-to-be University, Mangalore; Sr Savitha D’Souza, Superior, Shankerpura Convent; Mr. John Martis, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council; Mr Gabriel Martis, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council and Mr Joseph Castelino, Commissions Coordinator, Shankerpura Parish.
The Diocese of Udupi, led by Bishop Lobo, felicitated Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino for his exemplary leadership. Donors and benefactors who supported the renovation were also honored during the event.
Notably, the dignitaries recognized the academic achievements of Rev. (Dr) Fr Jencil Alva, Doctorate in Sacred Theology; Dr Ronal Nazareth, Registrar, St. Aloysius Deemed-to-be University; Dr Macwin Canute D’Mello, Specialist in underweight patterns among children and Dr Feona Joyline Mascarenhas, Researcher in supercapacitors
Mr. Albert Wilfred D’Souza addressed the gathering, commending the parish for their collaborative efforts in achieving this milestone.
Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, in his address, expressed admiration for the hall's modern renovations, likening it to a five-star venue. He congratulated the community on their accomplishment and acknowledged the hard work of Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino in implementing state-of-the-art facilities.
As a mark of appreciation, Bishop Lobo, on behalf of the Diocese of Udupi, felicitated Rev. (Dr) Fr Anil Castelino for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the renovation project.
The program concluded with a welcome address by Mr. John Martis and a heartfelt vote of thanks by Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino. Rev. Fr. Rolwin Fernandes led the grace before the meal, after which a festive community meal was served to all attendees.
The event was a testament to the unwavering faith, dedication, and unity of the Shankerpura parish community. The renovated St. John Sabha Bhavana, now a symbol of progress and community spirit, promises to serve as a hub for future gatherings and celebrations.