Udupi: October 15: It was a day of joy and celebration for the faithful of the Diocese of Udupi for it was the Third Anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Udupi and the installation of Most Rev. Dr Gerald Lobo as the first Bishop of this new Diocese. To mark these great and historical events, three major projects of the Diocese were launched in a meaningful ceremony, in a small plot of the diocese near Kinnimulky. The projects are 1) The Pastoral Center 2) The Retired Priests’ Home 3) Minor Seminary.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Lobo blessed the foundation stones of these three projects during a very prayerful and faith evoking prayer Service. Later, the foundation stones of these projects were laid symbolically.
Sri Vinayakumar Sorake, Hon’ble minister for Urban Development, Govt. of Karnataka and the district in charge minister laid the foundation stone for the retired priests’ home. He said that after serving all through their life, the priests deserve a decent place to stay where they can spend their post retirement days peacefully. He also lauded the service rendered by the Christian community in the field of Education, Health care and the care of the orphans. He said that he will try his best to get financial support from the government.
Bishop Gerald laid the Foundation stone for the Pastoral Centre. In his speech he spoke about the urgency of these projects and his belief in the generosity of the faithful. He gave a birds eye view of the facilities available in these basic infra-structures of the Diocese. He also said these projects would be taken up in phase-manner, as per the availability of funds. Hence he said that he counts on the goodwill and generosity of the well wishers and benefactors.
Bishop also said that the Pastoral Centre will come at this small plot and the Retired Priests’ Home and the Minor Seminary will come up in the land near Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur.
Sri Alphonse D’Costa laid the foundation stone for the Minor Seminary. Msgr Baptist Menezes, the Vicar General was also present on the dais.
As many as 30 priests and about 200 representatives of the laity from as many as 50 parishes (the Vice Presidents and Secretaries of the Parishes of the Diocese of Udupi, the Diocesan Pastoral Council Members) witnessed this meaningful function.
