The Blessing of the renovated Church of St Ann’s Church at Thottam was held on 28th May, 2019.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese; Rev. Fr Francis Cornelio, Parish Priest of Thottam Parish; Mr Agnel Fernandes, vice-president, parish pastoral council; Mrs Laveena Fernandes, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council jointly cut the ribbon and the Bishop opened the main door and inaugurated the Church.
The grand ceremony of the inauguration and blessing of the church was done by the Bishop in the presence of V. Rev. Fr Lawrence C. D’Souza, Dean of Kallianpur Deanery; Rev. Fr Francis Cornelio and a number of priests from Udupi and Mangalore Dioceses, Religious men, women, parishioners and guests. The inauguration was followed by Solemn Mass which was concelebrated by several priests.
After the Mass, a felicitation program was held. The program began with a prayer Song and welcome dance by the children from the Parish. Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi; MrRagupathi Bhat, MLA of Uudpi; Mr JanardanaThonse, President of Udupi district Congress; Rev. Fr. Francis Cornelio, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Lewis Cutinho; Former Parish Priest; Rev. Sr Rita Vaz, Provincial, Ursuline Congregation; Mr Agnel Fernandes, Vice-President Parish Pastoral Committee; Mrs Laveena Fernandes, Secretary Parish Pastoral Committee; Mrs Priya Rodrigues, Coordinator of 18 Commissions of Thottam Parish; Mr Yogish Salian, Councillor; Krishna Shetty, Panchayat President were present on the dais.
Mr RagupathiBhat, Rev. Sr Rita Vaz, Rev. Fr Louis Cutinho, Mr JanardanaThonse spoke on the occasion.
Donors, Engineers, Contractors, Former Parish Priests, Present Parish Priest, Vice-President of Parish Pastoral Council and Building workers were felicitated on this occasion by the dignitaries.
In his presidential speech, Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo said that in Indian culture, places of worship have a distinct place. The Bishop complimented the parish priest and people of the parish for their efforts in erecting a beautiful church within a short period. He said that the people of Thottam have poured their love, sacrifice and labour into the construction. It was their dream which has become a reality.
On behalf of the Diocese of Udupi, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo felicitated Rev. Fr Francis Cornelio as a token of appreciation for his great work
Rev. Fr Francis Cornelio welcomed the gathering. Mrs Laveena Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. Mr Leslie Arouza and Mrs Jacintha Colaco compered the program. Fellowship meal was served to all those who attended the inaugural function.