The newly constructed, Karnataka’s first boat-shaped Church was inaugurated and blessed by the Bishop of Udupi, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald I. Lobo at Kalmady on Jan 06, 2018.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald I. Lobo, Bishop of Udupi; Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga; Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga were welcomed by Rev. Fr Alban D’Souza, Parish Priest; Mr. Sanjay Andrade, vice president Parish Pastoral Council; Mrs. Shobha Mendonca, secretary Parish Pastoral Council and Mr Louis Lobo, convener of the Church Building committee at the entrance. Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda inaugurated and blessed the Belfry and Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao inaugurated and blessed the vailankanni shrine.
The inauguration and blessing of the new church was done by the bishop of Udupi. The inauguration was followed by the Solemn Mass which was concelebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda and several priests. Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao preached the homily.
After the Mass, a public felicitation program was held. Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Mr. Pramod Madvaraj, Mr. Ivan D’Souza, Mr. Oscar Fernandes, V. Rev. Fr Valerian Mendonca, Rev. Fr Alban D’Souza, Mr. Sanjay Andrade, Mrs. Shobha Mendonca and others were present on the dais
In his presidential speech, the Bishop complimented the parish priest and the people of Kalmady for their efforts in erecting such a beautiful church building within a short period. He said that the people of Kalmady have poured their love, sacrifice and labour into the 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 V. Rev. Fr Alban D’Souza as a token of appreciation for his great work at Kalmady. Contractors, Engineer, Sponsors and donors were felicitated on the occasion.
Rev. Fr Alban D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Mrs. Shobha Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks and Ronald Olivera compered the program. A Fellowship meal was served to all those who attended the function.