Kundapur: Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi, inaugurated the state’s first star-shaped St Francis Assisi Church of Tallur here on Thursday.
Later, he con-celebrated the Eucharistic Mass with Frs Anil D’Souza, dean of Kundapur denary, Sunil Veigas, parish priest of Tallur, Valerian Mendonca, chancellor of Udupi diocese and parish priest of Barkur Church, Alexander Lewis, parish priest of Kanajar and John W Mendonca, parish priest of Sastan Church.
In his homily, Bishop Lobo highlighted importance of the church. He also highlighted the purification of the temple by Jesus by chasing the animal and bird sellers as well as other vendors from the temple of Jerusalem. He stressed on the significance of the church and pointed how it is closely associated with the lives of the faithful. After the Eucharistic celebration public felicitation and honouring programme was held in the church ground.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, minister for urban development and district minister in-charge, in his message recalled the contribution of Christians in various fields. The minister said that Catholic institutions have played a prominent role in the development of the nation by promoting quality education, The Times of India reported.
The role in the twin districts of erstwhile undivided Dakshina Kannada district of promoting education and health care needs to be appreciated, Sorake pointed.
In his presidential speech, the bishop said that in Indian culture, places of worship have a distinct place. He complemented the parish priest and people of Tallur and all stakeholders concerned for their efforts in erecting such a beautiful church building within a short period. He said the people of Tallur have poured their love, sacrifice and labour into the construction of the new church building. It was their dream which has become a reality.
Referring to the drought situation in Karnataka, the bishop said lack of adequate rain has impacted availability of drinking water. St Francis Assisi was renowned for preserving the environment.
Only rain and trees can mitigate global warming that is causing a lot of concern in today’s world, he added.
The contractors, engineers, sponsors, donors, parish pastoral council vice-president, secretary, Fr Valerian, Fr Alexander, Fr Francis Cornelio, parish priest of Kalathur who served in Tallur were felicitated on the occasion. Parish pastoral council honoured Fr Sunil Veigas for his leadership.