Udupi: The newly built Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, a long-awaited dream of the parishioners was fulfilled with the inauguration of the church at the hands of Rev Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais, Provincial of Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka on Wednesday, December 28. Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese blessed the occasion.
In his homily, the Bishop said that a temple or place of worship is the ‘abode of God’ where the devotees can connect with the God. Calling entire Universe to be a Church, the Bishop said that Jesus came to this Church, stayed back and toiled to spread the words of God.

“When he was 12, he saw traders doing trade in the Church. He asked them to clear the place as it was the place of his Father, which was meant for worshiping. He asked them to destroy the Church with a promise that he would rebuild it in three days. “He sacrificed his life on the Cross only to resurrect after three days,” recalled the Bishop adding that one who sees the most deprived in the society, Jesus sees them well.

“God does not need temple, but it is the worshiper who needs temples to pray and connect with God,” he said lauding the Brahmavar parishioners for working towards realising the dream of constructing a wonderful temple of God.

Earlier, the Bishop, who was received by Holy Family Church parish priest Rev Fr. Anthony Vaz, Ravi Prakash Gonsalves Vice-President of the church and Joshpine Lewis Secretary at Brahmavar Bus stand, was escorted to the venue in a grand procession.

Prior to the inauguration of the Church, Rev Fr. Dominic Veigas and Rev Fr. Denis Saldhana unveiled the plaque at the entrance of the church in the presence of Anthony Vaz, Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo Dean of Kallianpur Deanery and large number of Capuchin and guest priests.

The Eucharistic mass was concelebrated by Bishop along with Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais, Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo, Rev Fr. Victor Fernandes, Superior of Holy Family Friary and others.

The Bishop held prayers and the Holy reading books were handed over to the readers at the first time in the newly built church. The huge choir team led by Rev Fr. Roshan Capuchin was magnificent.

Rev Fr. Stephen D’Souza Head of Liturgy, Udupi Diocese compered the programme during the mass. Large number of faithful gathered to witness the inaugural and the blessing of the newly built Church, which boasts of wonderful architecture.

A stage programmed followed the inaugural ceremony. Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi presided over the stage programme. Very Rev Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais Provincial of Capuchin Community of Karnataka region, Pramod Madhwaraj District in charge Minister and Minister of Fisheries, Sports and Youth Empowerment,  Nithyanand V. R. President of Varamballi Grama Panchayat, Saraswathi President of Chantar Grama Panchayat, Rev Fr. Anthony Vaz, Ravi Prakash Gonsalves and Joshpine Lewis were present on the dais.

Addressing the gathering Minister Pramodh Madhwaraj said that under the leadership of Bishop Gerald Lobo, as many as five new churches have been built while three are under construction.

“The contribution of the Christians in the district in the field of education and health will always be appreciated. It is due to the contribution of the Christians that undivided Dakshina Kannada is ranking first in the place of education and health care. The Christian educational institutions are role models for others,” he said.

In his address Fr. Dolphy Pais remembered the services of Fr. Alfred Roche, the first Capuchin parish priest of Brahmavar church. He also remembers other priests for their role in development of Brahmavar parish.

A fellowship meal was served to all the participants of the programme. Around 8000 devotees witnessed the proceedings of the inaugural of the new church building.

Earlier Fr. Anthony Vaz welcomed the gatherings. Ravi Prakash Gonsalves proposed vote of thanks while Stephen Lewis and Prakash Lewis compered the stage programme.

Felicitation

The felicitations for donors, contractors, volunteers and others were held during the occasion. The Bishop honoured the Provincial Rev Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais. Bishop also honoured the parish priest Rev Fr. Anthony Vaz, Parish, council vice president Ravi Prakash Gonsalves and secretary Josphine Lewis.