Milagres Parish centenary celebrations conclude

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jan 17: The grand finale of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Milagres Parish was held on the evening of Jan 16, Sunday. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the bishop of Mangalore Diocese, was the chief celebrant of the festive mass, with several priest concelebrating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A colorful cultural programme was held on the church grounds after mass. The welcome address was delivered by Parish Priest Fr. Walter D’Mello, after which bouquets were presented to the dignitaries on the dais. The bishop also honored Parish Priest Fr. Walter D’Mello as well as the previous parish priests Fr. Harold, Fr. William Gonsalves, and others by garlanding them and presenting mementos and fruits. In his speech, Fr. D’Mello said that more than a 100 projects had been taken up by the church and completed during the 100th year. He also showed a PowerPoint presentation of the programmes held during this year.

B. A. Cutinha, IAS, the additional chief secretary of the government of Karnataka, was the chief guest of the event. Expressing his gratefulness to Our Lady of Miracles for giving him the opportunity to work as a government servant for over 30 years, during which he gained reputation as a hard-working and sincere civil servant, he said that the Church is a symbol of love and peace. Recollecting the services of the various parish priests of Milagres, he said the work of priests often goes unnoticed. He felicitated the members of the centenary committee and the gurkars of all wards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A souvenir was released on this occasion, and prizes were given away to the winners of the quiz competition, which was held for all the people of the diocese.

In his benedictory address, Bishop Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza said that Milagres Parish has always had able leaders in the form of efficient parish priests. He also urged the gathering to follow the teachings of Christ and to help the needy.

A short skit titled “Adam and Eve” was presented on the occasion, after which the statue of Our Lady of Miracles was taken out in a procession. Alwyn Rosario, the vice president of the Parish Pastoral Parishad, proposed the vote of thanks.