Kushalanagar: The newly-built St. Sebastian Church was inaugurated and blessed by the Bishop of Mysore K A William in the presence of Bishop Emeritus Thomas Antony Vazhapilli, numerous catholic priests, devotees and others on May 1 at the heart of Kushalnagar town.

Built at a coast of Rs 3 Crore, the church construction lasted for 7 years with contribution from the state Government, elected representatives, Catholic faithful and many other from different faiths.

Speaking during the inaugural, Bishop William said, “Unity, devotion, love and respect among the faithful of different religions leads to attain fulfillment and inspires the rest to lead meaningful lives.”

Bishop Emeritus, Thomas Antony Vazhapilli said,”Striving for spiritual and religious goals through honest means leads to peace and contentment.” He lauded the efforts and the contribution made by the lay faithful towards the project and hoped their efforts inspire other faiths as well.

Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan said, “Good works in the right earnest bear fruits and when such works have a social connect without differences among different communities, then all round growth can be achieved.”

MLC Veena Achaiah stressed on the united efforts to set goals in spiritual and religious spheres to reap more benefits.

Parish Priest Fr. Michael Marie briefed on the entire project and highlighted on the design prepared by Benny, a resident of Cochin, and later development with features incorporating a combination of Portuguese and French architecture. The project started in July 2010 took seven long years for completion and the project cost over shot by over Rs 50 Lakh, Fr. Marie explained.

The church with 7500 sq.ft floor area can accommodate more than 1000 people at once and has a separate balcony to seat 100 people. Built in an overall area of more than 1.5 acres, it has ample parking for vehicles with basic amenities.

Statues of infant Jesus in the centre, St.Sebastian and Mother Mary adorn the entrance. Well maintained lawns, ramp for disabled and elderly are among the important features. The alloy made 350 kg church bell has been designed in such a way that it’s echo can resonate to 2 km distance.

The sanctuary has Italian marble with altar in the centre and a tabernacle to keep the Blessed Sacrament. 10-feet long teak wood cross displaying crucified Jesus stands tall at the centre behind the altar table. Antique lightings, centrally placed chandelier and quality sound system have been provided inside.

The church was built with contributions from state government, former MP H Vishwanath, MLA Appachu Ranjan, MLC Sunil Subramani and former MLC T John and innumerable lay faithful.

Priests from diocese of Mysuru, Backward and Minority department official K V Suresh, TMC President M M Charan, Fathima School Principal Sr. J Supriya, Church Parish Council Secretary Crizwal Coats, Public Relations Officer Philip Vas, Shaji K. George, N R Joseph and many others were present.

Donors and others who contributed towards the construction of the building were felicitated on the occasion. Fittingly, the town panchayat has named the road leading to the church as St.Sebastian Church Road.