Mangalore, Jan 30: The 100th anniversary celebration of the consecration of the Holy Cross Church of Kulshekar was inaugurated on Jan 29, Saturday on the church grounds. The chief guests of the event were Fr. Francis Serrao, the provincial of the Karnataka Jesuits, and Fr. Lawrence C. D’Souza, the director of Fr. John’s Medical College, Bangalore.
Fr. Serrao inaugurated the “maha dwara” of the cemetery, which was constructed in commemoration of the 100th anniversary. The dwara was blessed by Fr. Lawrence C. D’Souza. Later, Fr. Serrao inaugurated the jubilee emblem and spoke about the role of the Jesuits in the Kulshekar mission. He informed the audience that the Kulshekar Church was constructed by the Jesuits in 1912 and presented to the diocesan priests.
Fr. D’Souza felicitated the donors of the maha dwara of the cemetery. Fr. Valerian Pinto felicitated the contractor of the maha dwara, Mr. Walter Pinto of Vamanjoor. Praveen Patrao, the vice president of the church, delivered the welcome address.
Secretary George D’Souza, former vice presidents Sushil Noronha and Victor Vas, assistant parish priests Fr. Arun Lobo and Fr. J. B. Moras were also present.
A high mass was celebrated on the event by Fr. Serrao with several priests concelebrating. Over 2,000 devotees participated in the jubilee inaugural ceremony. They were also treated to cake and soft drinks.