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Udupi : The Holy Cross Parish, Pamboor near here celebrated its Golden Jubilee on Thursday, 21 December 2017 with solemn Thanksgiving Mass and grand felicitation programme.

Prior to the Thanksgiving Mass, Parish Priest Fr. Paul Rego, Vice President and Secretary of the Parish pastoral Council Prakash Noronha and Mrs. Asuntha D’Souza along with the priests and parishioners welcomed the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza at 9.15 am. The Bishop along with Fr. Paul Rego went inside the church and prayed for a brief period.

Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza along with the altar servers and priests came in procession to the church from the hall.  The solemn Thanksgiving Mass commenced at 9.30 am with Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza as the main celebrant. He was assited by Fr. Denis D’Souza, Founder Parish priest and Fr. Paul Rego, Present Parish Priest.

In his homily, Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza complimented the Pamboor parishioners for giving themselves a strong and beautiful church. He explained the meaning of Jubilee, especially, Golden Jubilee and the role the Jubilee should play in the lives of the parishioners. He said that the new church should manifest new spiritual renewal among the parishioners and wished them well. He appreciated the work done by Fr. Paul Rego in renovating the church.   

Soon after the Thanksgiving Mass, felicitation programme was organized in the pandal. The programme was presided over by Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza. Other dignitaries on the dais included: Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Fr. Denis D’Souza-Founder Parish priest, Vinay Kumar Sorake-Former Minister, Government of Karnataka and MLA, Kaup Constituency, Ivan D’Souza-Memebr of Legislative Council  and Chief Whip Government of Karnataka, Wilson Rodrigues-Memebr of Udupi Zilla Panchayat, Mrs. Ranjani Hegde-President of Belle Grama Panchayat, Sandeep Rao-President of Majoor Grama Panchayat, Stany Noronha-Managing Director, Shiny Shipping and Logistics Pvt. Limited, Remous D’Souza-Entrepreneur, Mumbai Fr. Paul Rego, Prakash Noronha and Mrs. Asuntha D’Souza.

Following the welcome address by Fr. Paul Rego, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo addressing the gathering explained the meaning of the Jubilee and its importance in the lives of a parish.

On this occasion, Fr. Paul Rego who was instrumental in renovating the fifty years old church and building an entirely new church in its place was honoured by the dignitaries on the dais to the laud cheers and applause of the parishioners.

Thereafter, a minutes silence was observed for the repose of the departed souls of some of the parish priests who had served in the parish of Pamboor.

The Founder Parish Priest, Fr. Denis D’Souza and Fr. Jerome Monteiro who had served as the Parish Priest later were honoured.

In reply to the felicitation, Fr. Jerome Monteiro said that when he had come as the Parish priest of Pamboor, only three years after his ordination, he did not know much about parish administration. However, the people of Pamboor assured full cooperation and support to him. He also trained some of the youth and developed their talents and even put together  a music group that gave performances in different programmes.

Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza was honoured by the dignitaries on the dais as token of gratitude for concelebrating the Thanksgiving Mass as the chief celebrant.

In his message, Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza said that when Fr. Denis D’Souza started building the first church at Pamboor, he was the Secretary of the then Bishop late Basil D’Souza. He reminded the parishioners that on the day of the inauguration in the month of May, when they arrived near the church there was heavy rain. He appreciated the great work undertaken by Fr. Paul Rego and the parishioners of Pamboor and wished them well.

Next, Fr. Jephrin Monis, a native of Pamboor presently serving in Germany was felicitated for his contribution in raising funds not only for the new church but for various projects. He was ushered to the dais accompanied by band.  Fr. Henry Alva (OFM Cap)-Provincial Superiro, Central Province Canada read the citation.

Vinaya Kumar Sorake in his address expressed happiness at being part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Holy Cross Parish, Pamboor and wished Happy Christmas and New year to all parishioners of Pamboor.

On this occasion Fredrick Saldanha, who supervised the entire construction work of the new church building was felicitated along with his wife Mrs. Anitha Saldanha.

Those who had helped in selling maximum number of lucky tickets were honoured. Mrs. Helen Monis had sold the highest number of tickets totaling an amount of Rs. 1,95,000/-

Lucky draw for Honda Activa Scooter was drawn by Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza and Lucky Draw for Suzuki Alto was drawn by Fr. Denis D’Souza.

Ivan D’Souza narrated his association with the Holy Cross Parish, Pamboor while he was ICYM Deanery Coordinator. He made the people aware of various government schemes that are available for minority communities such as Christians. He also mentioned about financial assistance that the government of Karnataka provides for various welfare schemes and scholarships to the students.

Ratnakara Saphaliga who had suffered head injuries while working on the building site of the church and has been recovering was given a memento and financial help for his treatment.

Mrs. Asuntha D’Souza propsed the vote of thanks. Mrs. Sarita Alva compeered the programme.

Dr. Vincent Alva supervised the entire programme as usual and steered the programme to end within the stipulated time.

People of Pamboor as well as neighbouring localities were served lunch in a grand ‘Annasantarpane’ community meal. Around 4,000 persons participated in this community meal programme.