The renovated Our Lady of Fatima Church, Pernal, was blessed and inaugurated in a grand ceremony on December 22, 2024. This landmark event united clergy, parishioners, and dignitaries in a celebration of faith, devotion, and community spirit.
The day commenced with Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Udupi Diocese, cutting the ceremonial ribbon and opening the majestic main doors of the renovated church, marking the start of the blessing ceremony.
The solemn inauguration and 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 the Udupi Diocese; V. Rev. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Dean of Shirva Deanery; Rev. Fr. Jerome Monteiro, Parish Priest of Pernal; along with several priests from the Udupi and Mangalore Dioceses, religious men and women, parishioners, and esteemed guests.
Following the blessing, a Eucharistic Celebration was held, concelebrated by numerous priests, adding spiritual significance to the occasion.
After the Mass, a vibrant felicitation program was organized. The event began with a captivating welcome dance by the children of the parish. The dais was graced by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese; Mr. Vinay Kumar Sorake, Former MLA, Kapu; Rev. Fr. Jerome Monteiro, Parish Priest of Pernal; V. Rev. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Dean of Shirva Deanery; Rev. Fr. Pascal Menezes, Resident Priest; Mr. David D’Souza, Former President, Mudarangadi Grama Panchayat; Rev. Sr. Maria Lobo, Superior, Mudarangadi Convent; Sr. Pauline, Superior, Kripalaya Convent, Pernal; Mr. Arun D’Souza, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council, Pernal; Mrs. Cynthia Pinto, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Pernal and Mrs. Violet D’Souza, Commissions Coordinator of Pernal.
In their addresses, Mr. Vinay Kumar Sorake, V. Rev. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, and Rev. Dr. Roshan D’Souza commended the unity and dedication of the parish community in transforming the church into a magnificent house of worship.
The program also honored donors, engineers, contractors, and former parish priests, whose contributions were pivotal to the success of the renovation project.
In his presidential address, 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 are a testament to the love, sacrifice, and hard work of the people of Pernal. The Bishop expressed his delight that the parish’s long-cherished dream had come true and extended his best wishes for the upcoming feast of St. Francis Xavier.
As a mark of appreciation, Bishop Lobo, on behalf of the Diocese of Udupi, felicitated Rev. Fr. Jerome Monteiro for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the renovation project.
The program concluded with Rev. Fr. Jerome Monteiro welcoming the gathering and Mrs. Cynthia Pinto proposing the vote of thanks. A fellowship meal followed, bringing together the clergy, parishioners, and guests in a spirit of unity and gratitude.
