Mangaluru: Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha blesses renovated Chapel at Bishop’s House

Mangaluru: Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha blesses renovated Chapel at Bishop’s House

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 1, 2025: On the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, blessed the newly renovated Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows at the Bishop’s House, Kodialbail, on Saturday, May 31.

 

 

The chapel, historically significant and spiritually rich, was first blessed in 1857. It underwent a major facade renovation in 1963, and a decade ago saw the redoing of the flooring. This year’s extensive renovation added a fresh architectural charm and structural enhancements, with an extended new front facade, roof repairs, plastering of walls, fresh painting, electrification, sound system, and improved lighting — restoring the sacred space to new splendour while preserving its legacy.

Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Very Rev. Msgr Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General, Very Rev. Dr Victor George D’Souza, Chancellor, and Rev. Fr Jagadish Pinto, the Chaplain and Financial Administrator, Rev. Fr Rupesh Madtha, Editor Raknno weekly, Fr Maxim Rosario, Fr Trishan D’Souza and Fr Jason Lobo, Fr Valerian D’Souza, Msgr Leslie F. Shenoy, Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao concelebrated the Mass along with several other priests from the Episcopal and City Deaneries. Religious sisters and faithful joined in large numbers to witness and celebrate the historic moment.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, a short felicitation programme was organised by Fr Jagadish Pinto, where the bishop took the opportunity to honour and thank the many generous contributors to the renovation project.
Major benefactors, including Mr Michael D’Souza, an Abu Dhabi-based NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, and the members of Sodality of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mangalore, were honoured with other donors and sponsors by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha for their financial support and commitment to the Church.

Bishop Saldanha expressed gratitude to all involved, calling the chapel a “spiritual womb of grace” and highlighting the Latin inscription Cor Meum Moerens (“My heart weeps”) on the new facade, symbolizing Mary’s compassion.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows now stands as a renewed beacon of prayer and peace in the heart of Mangalore, drawing pilgrims, priests, and people into a deeper encounter with the sorrowful yet consoling presence of Mary, Mother of the Church.