Centenary fete of St Sebastian Church, Bendore draws to a spectacular close

Centenary fete of St Sebastian Church, Bendore draws to a spectacular close

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jan 20, 2014: The centenary celebrations of the St Sebastian Church Bendore drew to a close at a spectacular function organised at the Church Ground here on January 19, Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A Eucharistic Mass held on the occasion was led by Dr Bernard Moraes, Archbishop of Bangalore. He also unveiled the statue of St Sebastian, the patron saint of the church.

Addressing a function held in this connection, Dr Moraes called upon all parishioners to follow the ideals of St Sebastian who lived for Faith and urged them to strengthen their Faith.

Rev.Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, who presided over the function, pointed out that Faith was on the decline due to various factors and stressed the need for Christians to believe in God and live with Faith. He also exhorted the youth to take part various activities in the church and called upon all parishioners to work for the development of the Church.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas M Veerappa Moily who was present as a chief guest launched the Centenary Memorial Health Fund for the poor.

In his address, Moily lauded the church for instituting the Fund for the betterment of the lives of the poor.

Dr Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare UT Khader, JR Lobo, MLA, B Ramanatha Rai, District in-charge Minister were also present as chief guests. Minister for youth affairs and sports Abhaychandra Jain released the centenary souvenir. Christachi Sakshi’ (Witness to Christ), a CD of Konkani devotional songs by Fr Michael Santhumayor was released on the occasion.

Parish priests and assistant parish priests who had served the Church in the past as well as winners of various competitions were felicitated on the occasion.

Fr Anthony Serrao, Parish Priest of  Bendore Church welcomed the gathering. Ronald Walder proposed the vote of thanks.

The function concluded with a dinner prepared by around 400 parishioners.