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Udupi : The inauguration and blessing of Udupi Diocesan Pastoral Centre “Anugraha” held on Thursday January 13, 2022 at Kakkunje, near Ambagilu near here.

Rev Fr. Valerian D’Souza, Spiritual Director of Educare Centre and former Episcopal Vicar of Udupi inaugurated the Anugraha building by cutting the ribbon and Most Rev Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru blessed the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, local MLA Raghupathy Bhat said that he considered himself fortunate that during the inauguration of Udupi diocese ten years ago was the MLA and while pastoral Centre is being inaugurated he has been the MLA on both historical occasions and took part the both the occasions. He said that late Dr. V.S. Acharya former minister always used to say that the contribution to the society by the Christian Community in undivided Dakshina Kannada districts never forgotten one, especially in the field of education and health care. He hoped that through the ten years dream of the Pastoral Centre, the Christian community would render greater service in the district.

Later, Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi diocese felicitated Raghupathy Bhat for his valuable for work towards getting necessary clearance from the government.

Most Rev Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru Diocese, presided over the felicitation programme after the Blessing Ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Most Rev Dr. Leo Cornelio, retired Archbishop of Bhupal, Madya Pradesh and neighbor of Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje said that Udupi Diocesan Centre “Anugraha” is divine gift to the people of Kakkunje ward and it is a matter of pride for the Kakkunje ward people also that Kakkunje ward will be known worldwide as the place where the beautiful Pastoral Centre of the diocese is located. He said that since ten years the Udupi Diocese has been doing excellent progress and he hoped that due to selfless contribution of Bishop Gerald, priests religious men and women along with the faithful diocese would be able to achieve greater success and progress in the coming years.

Speaking on the occasion, another chief guest former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said that the longstanding dream of the Bishop of Udupi diocese has been realized with the inauguration and blessing of the diocesan Pastoral Centre. The contribution of Christian community has been well worthy as through value based education and health care system to the people of the world. In India less than two percent Christian community giving value based services to more than 20% of the population. Even including me top politicians, bureaucrats’ and top entrepreneurs’ got value base education in Catholic Institutions, he said.

In his address, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo gave gratitude to all concerned to establishment of great dream project of the diocese. He gave the gratitude to land donors, financial and other kind donors, clergy and large donors for the same. He said that in spite of various ups and downs during the last four years of its construction, the dream project of the diocese has been realized. The newly inaugurated and blessed ‘Anugraha’ Pastoral Centre would be diocesan Centre of all round activities, center for training etc.,

In his presidential address, Most Rev Dr. Peter Machado all praise for Udupi diocese for all round growth and role model for other dioceses of the state. He further said that out of 14 dioceses in Karnataka State, Udupi diocese not only role model for Karnataka dioceses but entire country as well. He appreciated Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo for the overall progress of the diocese since last ten years. He said that Bishop Gerald Lobo was instrumental in erecting such beautiful Pastoral Centre and he said when Bishop Gerald Lobo was secretary of the Karnataka Bishop’s Council, he found him deep thinker and planning for the future. Forming Pastoral commissions was Bishop’s dream during the meeting of Bishops.

The principal donors like land, tiles for the building, financial donors, architects, engineers, contractors and other were felicitated during the occasion. Meanwhile, Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo, Dr. Nerry Cornelio, Rev Fr. Valerian Mendonca, Rev D. Leslie D’Souza, Rev Fr. Valerian D’Souza, Balakishna Shetty local councilor of CMC  and others were honored during the occasion. On behalf of diocese Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo was honored by Leslie Aroza, Secretary of Diocesan Pastoral Committee and Alphonse D’Costa former Secretary of DPC.

Very Rev Fr. Valerian Mendonca Rector of the Milagres Cathedral, Rev Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Balakrishna Shetty local ward councilor, Rev Fr.Valerian D’Souza, Dr. Jerry Vincent Dias, Donor and Builder, Vinay Kumar Sorake were present on the dais.

Very Rev Fr. Stany B Lobo Chancellor of Udupi Diocese welcomed the gathering. Rev Fr. Romeo Lewis, Estate Manager of the diocese narrated the background of the construction of the Pastoral Centre building. Rev Fr. Royson Fernandes, Editor of Uzwaad, diocesan fortnightly delivered the vote of thanks. Leslie Aroza along with Rev Fr. Denis D’Sa compered the entire event. Very Rev Fr. Valerian Mendonca graced the prayers on meal.