Nov 25, 2021 : “God is our origin, all of us are united in God, no matter what religion we live in, it is pleasing to God if we live in harmony and fellowship”, opined Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore.
Presiding over the golden jubilee programme of Corpus Christi Church, Moodbidri on 22nd November, the Bishop released the health fund Rs 10 lakhs, blessed the event and spread the message that God is merciful to all believers, referring to the establishment of the only church named Corpus Christi fifty years ago.
MLA Umanatha Kotian inaugurating the Golden Jubilee, congratulated the church and praised the devotion of Late B. A. Saldanha, who donated land to the church, pronouncing that ‘God is One but Names are Many’.
Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore Most Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza released the church’s telephone directory.
Bishop of Shimoga Most Rev Francis Serrao released a commemorative issue of the Golden Jubilee and a Video documentary on Corpus Christi Church. The chief guests Former Minister K. Abhayachandra Jain and Moodbidri Municipal Council President Prasad Kumar, Co-ordinator of the Parish Commissions Celine D’Souza were present on the dais.
Most Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza and Most Rev Francis Serrao were felicitated.
In addition to this, donors of various donations, including the son of the land donor – Lawrence Saldanha, the donors of the main entrance, Corpus Christi’s artwork, the church name board, the bible passage (cement sculpture) board, those who were recognized as distinguished achievers including the scientist in Germany Denim Dheeraj DCosta (father Frank DCosta on behalf of him), Weightlifter Avil Monis, former parish priests Rev Lawrence Martis , Rev Austin Peter Peris , parish former and present vice-presidents and secretaries , those who performed various responsibilities of the Golden Jubilee, the former and present ward gurkar’s and Sister Superiors of 2 convents and parish vocations were honoured on this occasion.
The clergy and devotees of various churches in the region participated.
At 3.30 pm , Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha Bishop of Mangalore diocese, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore Most Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza and Bishop of Shimoga Most Rev Francis Serrao welcomed near the entrance by Parish Priest V. Rev. Fr Paul Sequeira, Parish Council and Jubilee committee members. At the main entrance, Corpus Christi’s artwork, the church name board, the bible passage (cement sculpture) board and the main gate was blessed and inaugurated by Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.
At 4 pm, Mangalore Bishop celebrated the mass along with 50 priests and Shimoga Bishop delivered an apt homily.
At 6 pm Floral tributes were offered to the Portraits of the Church Founder late Fr. F. X. D’Souza, land donor late B. A. Saldanha at the beginning of the programme.
Jubilee Committee Convener John Menezes welcomed and Secretary A. Ronald Serrao proposed vote of thanks. The programme was beautifully compered by Stany Lobo and Joyline Misquith. Cultural programmes including ‘Guspod Gondol’ skit were presented to entertain the audience.
After the program a sumptuous meal was provided to all.
