The newly aesthetically constructed ‘Assisi Nilaya’ and Padre Pio Prayer House was inaugurated by Rev. Fr Dolphy Joseph Pais (OFM Cap), Provincial Minister, Holy Trinity Province Karnataka and blessed by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese at Kattingeri-Moodubelle on Monday, 14 March 2016 in a grand function that lasted from 3.30 pm to 5 pm. Rev. Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Dean of Udupi Deanery, Rev. Fr Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Moodubelle, Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi Diocese, Rev. Fr Victor Fernandes, Superior of Assisi Nilaya along with his community of priests, Mrs Ranjani Hegde, President of Belle Grama Panchayat, a large number of Capuchin Friars, Diocesan Priests, religious sisters and parishioners from Moodubelle and neighbouring parishes were present for the inauguration function.
Before the inaugural function, Albert Martis, who had donated the land and constructed the structure along with his son Herald Martis formally handed over the key to the main gate of the building to Rev. Fr Dolphy Joseph Pais. Thereafter, Rev. Fr Dolphy Joseph Pais inaugurated Assisi Nilaya and Padre Pio Prayer House, first by cutting the red ribbon and thereafter opening the lock of the main gate ionand sliding the collapsible doors and entering the building along with Most Rev. Dr Gerald Lobo, Rev. Fr. Victor Fernandes and others.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo conducted the prayer service relevant to the inauguration of a new building and there after blessed the entire structure by sprinkling holy water.
The stage function was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. Other dignitaries on the dais included Rev. Fr Dolphy Joseph Pais, Rev. Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Rev. Fr Clement Mascarenhas, Mrs Ranjani Hegde, Alphonse K. Alva, Vice President of Moodubelle Parish Pastoral Council, Benedict Martis, Gurkar of St Francis Xavier I Ward in which formerly Assisi Nilaya was situated in the Mudartha Charitable Trust building, Mrs Helen D’Souza, Gurkarn of St. Roque II Ward in which presently Assisi Nilaya and Padre Pio Prayer House is situated and Bernard and Mrs Regina D’Souza, Trustees of Mudartha Trust who had provided residence for Assisi Nilaya for the last six years.
Following the welcome address by Rev. Fr Anil Sunil D’Souza (OFM Cap), Rev. Fr Clement Mascarenhas in his message expressed happiness at the construction of their own Minor Seminary building by the Capuchin Friar and wished them well for future.
Rev. Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Dean of Udupi Deanery appreciated the natural surroundings of the new Minor Seminary and said that as their founder St. Francis of Assisi was promoter of environmental wellbeing, the Capuchins have chosen the right place to located their Minor Seminary which is appropriate for prayer and meditation as well as studies.
Rev. Fr Dolphy Joseph Pais felicitated Albert and Mrs Benedicta Martis for donating their land to the new Minor Seminary, Benedict and Mrs Flavia Martis for their support and help while Assisi Nilaya was situated in the Mudartha Trust’s building, Harold and Mrs Anita Martis for constructing the new building, engineer Ganesh Bailoor and Mrs Christine Fernandes for her help.
In his address, Rev. Fr Dolphy Joseph Pais thanked Rev. Fr Clement Mascarenhas and people of Moodubelle for their cooperation, support and donations because of which the beautiful building could be constructed. He thanked the Bishop of Udupi, Dr Gerald Lobo for granting permission to construct the new building for the Minor Seminary.
Mrs Ranjani Hegde in her message said that she was happy for the young students who would have their own hostel in the form of Minor Seminary and assured any kind of help from the Panchayat administration.
Bishop Gerald Lobo honoured Bernard and Mrs Regina D’Souza, Trustees of Mudartha trust who had provided their building for Assisi Nilaya for the last six years.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo in his presidential address said that the longstanding dream of the Capuchin Friars to have their own Minor Seminary building has been realized. Commenting on the location of Assisi Nilaya and Padre Pio Prayer House, the Bishop said that St. Francis Assisi who was an environmentalist had advised his followers, especially Friars to have a small forest near their community house where the birds and animals could live. However, in this case, the Bishop said that the Capuchins found a forest first and built their house in it. Recalling the greatness of Padre Pio, the Bishop said that Padre Pio has been known for his prayer, saintliness and merciful approach towards the sinners. In the Year of Mercy, Padre Pio’s relics have been taken to Vatican Rome where thousands of people pay their respect.
Rev. Fr Dolphy Joseph Pais honoured Rev. Fr. Cyprian D’Souza (OFM Cap) who was instrumental in getting Mudartha Trust building to Assisi Nilaya and Rev. Fr Robin Victor D’Souza (OFM Cap) who had provided guidance during the construction of the new building.
Rev. Fr Victor Fernandes, Superior of Assisi Nilaya proposed the vote of thanks. Rev. Fr Prakash Lobo (OFM Cap) compeered the entire inaugural programme.
The blessing of ‘Assisi Nilaya’ Chapel was held on 15th March, Tuesday at 7a.m. during morning mass. His Lordship Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo conducted the rite of blessing the Chapel and officiated the Eucharistic celebration. The Chapel, the Altar, the Cross and the Tabernacle were blessed and made available for prayer and meditation for the residing community.
Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais, Provincial of Capuchins and Assisi Nilaya Friars along with the Seminarians were present at this occasion. His Lordship addressed the community members with his encouraging words of appreciation for their presence in the Diocese also asserted dedication and prayer in the life of the Seminarians after the example of St Francis of Assisi and St Padre Pio.
