The Blessing of the renovated Church of St Peter’s Church at Barkur was held on 15th December, 2019.
The grand ceremony of the inauguration and blessing of the church was done by the Bishop in the presence of V. Rev. Fr Stany B. Lobo, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese; Rev. Fr Philip Neri Aranha 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 welcome dance by the children from the Parish. Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi; V. Rev. Fr Stany B. Lobo, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese and Priest from the Barkur Parish; Mr J. R. Lobo, Former MLA of Mangaluru; Mr Shantharam Shetty, Winner of Karnataka Rajyotsava award; Rev. Fr Philip Neri Aranha, Parish Priest of Barkur Parish; Sr Silva Fernandes, Councilor of Sisters of Charity Congregation; Mr Gerald Gonsalves, Vice-President Parish Pastoral Committee; Mrs Vivet Lewis, Secretary Parish Pastoral Council; Mr Dolfy D’Souza, Coordinator of 18 Commissions of Barkur Parish; Mrs Shaila D’Souza, Barkur Panchayat President were present on the dais.
Rev. Fr Philip Neri Aranha gave inaugural address. 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.
V. Rev. Fr Stany B. Lobo, Mr Shantharam Shetty, Sr Silvia Fernandes, Mrs Shaila D’Souza, Mngr. Baptist Menezes and Mr J. R. Lobo addressed the gathering.
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. He said that the people of Barkur 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 Philip Neri Aranha as a token of appreciation for his great work
Mr Gerald Gonsalves welcomed the gathering. Mrs Vivet Lewis proposed the vote of thanks. Mr Eric Soans compered the program. Fellowship meal was served to all those who attended the function.