ಉಡುಪಿ: ಕಥೊಲಿಕ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯ ಉಡುಪಿ ಇದರ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಅತೀ ವಂ|ಡಾ|ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಐಸಾಕ್ ಲೋಬೊ ಅವರ 75 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹುಟ್ಟುಹಬ್ಬ ಹಾಗೂ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ದೀಕ್ಷೆಯ 25 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಬೆಳ್ಳಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವ ಭಾನುವಾರ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣಪುರ ಮಿಲಾಗ್ರಿಸ್ ಕ್ಯಾಥೆಡ್ರಲ್ ಇದರ ತೆರೆದ ಮೈದಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ಅದ್ದೂರಿಯಾಗಿ ಜರುಗಿತು.ಆರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಅತೀ ವಂ|ಡಾ|ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಐಸಾಕ್ ಲೋಬೊ ಅವರು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರು, ಧರ್ಮಗುರುಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ಭಕ್ತಾದಿಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕೃತಜ್ಞಾತಾ ಬಲಿಪೂಜೆ ನೆರವೇರಿಸಿದರು.
ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಡಾ|ಪ್ರಾನ್ಸಿಸ್ ಸೆರಾವೊ ತಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರವಚನದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಸೇವೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಯೇಸುಕ್ರಿಸ್ತರಂತೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಕುರುಬರಾಗಿ ತನ್ನ ಅಧೀನದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಪ್ರಜೆಗಳಿಗೆ ನಾಯಕತ್ವ ನೀಡುವುದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ತನ್ನನ್ನೇ ಅರ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಯೇಸು ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ತೋರಿದ ದಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ತಾನು ಸಾಗುವುದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ತನ್ನ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯವನ್ನು ಮುನ್ನಡೆಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. 25 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಸುಧೀರ್ಘ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾಗಿ ಮಾತ್ರ ಉಳಿಯದೆ ಒರ್ವ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಗುರುವಾಗಿ ತನ್ನ ಸೇವೆಯನ್ನು ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ನೀಡುವುದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸರ್ವರಿಗೂ ಮಾದರಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದರು.
ಬಳಿಕ ನಡೆದ ಸಭಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಜಗದ್ಗುರು ಪೋಪ್ ಫ್ರಾನ್ಸಿಸ್ ಅವರ ಭಾರತ ಮತ್ತು ನೇಪಾಳದ ರಾಯಭಾರಿ ಅತೀ ವಂ|ಡಾ|ಲಿಯೊಪೊಲ್ಡೊ ಗಿರೆಲ್ಲಿ ತಮ್ಮ ಆಶೀರ್ವಚನ ಸಂದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಅವರ ಜೀವನ ಇಡೀ ಸಮಾಜಕ್ಕೆ ಒಂದು ಮಾದರಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದು ಅವರ ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಜೀವನದ ಮೂಲಕ ತನ್ನ ಪ್ರಜೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಯೇಸು ಕ್ರಿಸ್ತರ ಮಾನವೀಯ ಮೌಲ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಸಹಕಾರಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅವರ ಸೇವಾ ಮನೋಭಾವದ ಕಾರ್ಯವೈಖರಿಯಿಂದಾಗಿ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲನಾ ಯೋಜನೆಯನ್ನು ಜಾರಿಗೆಗೊಳಿಸಿರುವುದು ದೇಶದ ಇತರ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯಗಳಿಗೂ ಮಾದರಿಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಇವರ ಸೇವೆ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಮುಂದುವರೆಯಲಿ ಎಂದರು.
ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ನಮಸ್ತೆ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುವ ಮೂಲಕ ತಮ್ಮ ಮಾತನ್ನು ಆರಂಭಿಸಿದ ಗಿರೆಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರು ಉಡುಪಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆ ಮೀನುಗಾರಿಕೆಗೆ ಹೆಸರುವಾಸಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದು ಮೊದಲ ಬಾರಿಗೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಆಗಮಿಸಿದಾಗ ಇಲ್ಲಿನ ವಾತಾವರಣ ನನಗೆ ಅತೀವ ಸಂತಸ ತಂದಿತು. ಉಡುಪಿಯ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಸೇವೆಯ ಮೂಲಕ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸಮುದಾಯದ ಜನರನ್ನು ಆಕರ್ಷಿಸುವ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿರುವುದು ಅಭಿನಂದಾನರ್ಹ ಸಂಗತಿಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಜುಬಿಲಿ ವರ್ಷದಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ರೈಸ್ತ ಬಾಂಧವರಿದ್ದು ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬರು ಭರವಸೆಯ ಯಾತ್ರಿಕರಾಗಿ ಯೇಸುವಿನ ನೈಜ ಶಿಷ್ಯರಾಗಿ ಬದುಕೋಣ ಎನ್ನುವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕೊಂಕಣಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ದೇವ್ ಬೊರೆಂ ಕರುಂ ಎನ್ನುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಕೊನೆಗೊಳಿಸಿದರು.
ತಮ್ಮ ಅಭಿನಂದನಾ ಸಂದೇಶ ನೀಡಿದ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಮಹಾ ಧರ್ಮಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಆರ್ಚ್ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಡಾ| ಪೀಟರ್ ಮಚಾದೊ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ ಹುಟ್ಟು ಹಬ್ಬದ ಸಂಭ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಅವರು ಒರ್ವ ಜನ ಸ್ನೇಹಿ ಧರ್ಮಗುರುವಾಗಿದ್ದು ಜನರ ಅಗತ್ಯತೆಗಳನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದು ಅದನ್ನು ಜಾರಿಗೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಉನ್ನತ ಗುಣವನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಅವರು ಸಂಘಟನಾ ಚತುರರಾಗಿದ್ದು ಯಾವುದೇ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಮಾಡುವುದಿದ್ದರೆ ಅದನ್ನು ಶಿಸ್ತುಬದ್ಧವಾಗಿ ಮಾಡುವ ಉನ್ನತ ಕಲೆಯುನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರುವುದು ಅವರ ವಿಶೇಷಗುಣವಾಗಿದೆ. ಅವರ ಸಂಘಟನಾತ್ಮಕ ಹಾಗೂ ಶಿಸ್ತು ಬದ್ದ ಕಾರ್ಯವೈಖರಿಯನ್ನು ಇತರ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯಗಳು ಕೂಡ ಕೊಂಡಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ ಎಂದರು.
ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದ ವತಿಯಿಂದ ಅತೀ ವಂ|ಡಾ|ಲಿಯೊಪೊಲ್ಡೊ ಗಿರೆಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಐಸಾಕ್ ಲೋಬೊ ಸನ್ಮಾನಿಸಿದರು.
ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಆಯೋಗಗಳ ವತಿಯಿಂದ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಡಾ| ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಲೋಬೊ ಅವರನ್ನು ಗೌರವಪೂರ್ವಕವಾಗಿ ಸನ್ಮಾನಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.
ಸನ್ಮಾನ ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಡಾ|ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಐಸಾಕ್ ಲೋಬೊ ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಹಕಾರ ನೀಡಿದ ಸರ್ವರಿಗೂ ಧನ್ಯವಾದವಿತ್ತರು. ತನಗೆ ನೀಡಿದ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ದೇವರು ಮಾಡಿದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಉತ್ತಮ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳಿಗೆ ಕೃತಜ್ಞತಾಪೂರ್ವಕವಾಗಿ ಸ್ಮರಿಸುವುದಾಗಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು.
ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ನಿವೃತ್ತ ಮಹಾ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ, ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಮೈಸೂರು ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದ ಆಡಳಿತಾಧಿಕಾರಿ ವಂ|ಡಾ|ಬರ್ನಾಡ್ ಮೊರಾಸ್, ಆಗ್ರಾ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದ ನಿವೃತ್ತ ಬಿಷಪ್ ವಂ|ಆಲ್ಬರ್ಟ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ಭದ್ರಾವತಿ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಜೊಸೇಫ್ ಅರುಮಚಾಡತ್, ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಡೆರಿಕ್ ಫೆರ್ನಾಂಡಿಸ್, ಬಳ್ಳಾರಿ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಹೆನ್ರಿ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ಬೆಳ್ತಂಗಡಿ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಲೊರೆನ್ಸ್ ಮುಕ್ಕುಝಿ, ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಳೂರು ಬಿಷಪ್ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ತೋಮಸಪ್ಪ ಅಂತೋನಿ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ, ಗುಲ್ಬರ್ಗಾ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ರೊಬರ್ಟ್ ಎಮ್ ಮಿರಾಂದಾ, ಕಾರವಾರ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ದುಮಿಂಗ್ ಡಯಾಸ್, ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ನಿವೃತ್ತ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಅಲೋಶಿಯಸ್ ಪಾವ್ಲ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ಪುತ್ತೂರು ಬಿಷಪ್ ವಂ|ಗೀವರ್ಗಿಸ್ ಮಾರ್ ಮಕಾರಿಯೋಸ್ ಕಲಾಯಿಲ್, ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗ ಬಿಷಪ್ ವಂ|ಡಾ|ಪ್ರಾನ್ಸಿಸ್ ಸೆರಾವೊ, ಲಕ್ನೊ ಬಿಷಪ್ ವಂ|ಜೆರಾಲ್ಡ್ ಜೋನ್ ಮಥಾಯಸ್, ಬರಾಯಿಪುರ್ ನಿವೃತ್ತ ಬಿಷಪ್ ವಂ|ಸಾಲ್ವದೊರ್ ಲೋಬೊ, ಅಲಹಾಬಾದ್ ಬಿಷಪ್ ವಂ|ಲೂಯಿಸ್ ಮಸ್ಕರೇನ್ಹಸ್, ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಸಹಾಯಕ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಅತಿ ವಂ|ಜೊಸೇಫ್ ಸುಶಿನಾಥನ್, ಮೈಸೂರು ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠಗುರು ಮೊನ್ಸಿಂಜ್ಞೊರ್ ಆಲ್ಫ್ರೇಡ್ ಮೆಂಡೊನ್ಸಾ, ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠಗುರು ಮೊನ್ಸಿಂಜ್ಞೊರ್ ಮ್ಯಾಕ್ಷಿಮ್ ನೊರೊನ್ಹಾ, ಕುಲಪತಿಗಳಾದ ವಂ|ಡಾ|ರೋಶನ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ವಂ|ಜೊರ್ಜ್ ವಿಕ್ಟರ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ಉಡುಪಿ ಧರ್ಮ ಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದ ಸಲಹೆಗಾರರಾದ ವಂ|ಚಾರ್ಲ್ಸ್ ಮಿನೇಜಸ್, ವಂ|ಆಲ್ಬನ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ವಂ|ರೆಜಿನಾಲ್ಡ್ ಪಿಂಟೊ, ವಂ|ಜೋರ್ಜ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ವಂ|ಡಾ|ಲೆಸ್ಲಿ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ವಂ|ಅನಿಲ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ವಂ|ಪಾವ್ಲ್ ರೇಗೊ, ವಂ|ಡೆನಿಸ್ ಡೆಸಾ ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು.
ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಸಂಚಾಲಕರು ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ಗುರು ಮೊನ್ಸಿಂಜ್ಞೊರ್ ಫರ್ಡಿನಾಂಡ್ ಗೊನ್ಸಾಲ್ವಿಸ್ ಸ್ವಾಗತಿಸಿ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದ ಪಾಲನಾ ಮಂಡಳಿಯ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಲೆಸ್ಲಿ ಅರೋಝಾ ವಂದಿಸಿದರು. ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದ ಹಣಕಾಸು ಸಮಿತಿ ಸದಸ್ಯ ಪ್ರಿತೇಶ್ ಡೆಸಾ ಹಾಗೂ ಜೆನಿಶಾಕೆಮ್ಮಣ್ಣು ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ನಿರೂಪಿಸಿದರು
Platinum Jubilee – 75 Glorious Years & 25 Silver Years as Bishop -Rt. Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo: A Shepherd of Faith and Service
The Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur became a beacon of faith, joy, and gratitude as the Thanksgiving Jubilee Mass was solemnly celebrated by the Bishop of Udupi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo. The grandeur of the occasion was matched by the radiance of the bright afternoon sun and the enthusiasm of the faithful, who arrived from near and far as early as 3:00 PM.
On Sunday, 9th February, 2025, around 3.30 pm the gigantic church bells heralded the arrival of Nuncio, Archbishop His Excellency Rev. Dr Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India the Papal representative in India, as the Rector of the Cathedral and other dignitaries present, accorded him and other guests a warm welcome to historical Milagres Church, Kallianpur.
By 3:45 PM, the beautifully decorated huge pendal, adorned with colourful shamiyanas and well-arranged seating, was nearly filled to capacity, setting the stage for a spiritually uplifting celebration.
A Grand and Sacred Procession:
The ceremony commenced with a formal introduction of the liturgy and a warm welcome extended by the Rector and Vicar General of the Diocese, Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves.
At exactly 4:00 PM, the well-trained Diocesan Choir comprising rich and diverse talents across the Diocese and led by Milagres Cathedral began the soul-stirring entrance hymn, ‘Kitlen Sobhith Mandir Tuje’ , as a procession of as many as 18 Bishops and hundreds of priests, led by a brass band, marched towards the grand High Altar.
The occasion was further blessed by the presence of esteemed Church dignitaries, including:
Archbishop His Excellency Rev. Dr Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India
Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado of Bangalore
The main celebrant the Jubilarian, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Diocese of Udupi.
As the trio ascended the specially erected altar, a wave of joy and reverence swept through the thousands of faithful gathered, eager to witness the solemn Thanksgiving Eucharist.
A Liturgy of Deep Meaning and Devotion:
The meticulously planned liturgical celebration was both meaningful and spiritually enriching. The hymn selection was deeply moving, Psalms especially the chant, ‘Tun Melkesedekachya Varga Parmanne Sasnak Yajak’, which resonated in the hearts of all present.
While breaking the word of God, in his well-prepared homily, Rt Rev Dr Francis Serrao, SJ, Bishop of Shimogga Diocese, eloquently reflected on the qualities of a Good Shepherd, drawing inspiration from Jesus Christ. He highlighted the life and ministry of Bishop Gerald, who earlier served in Shimogga as Bishop for 12 long years, and now in Udupi Diocese commending his unwavering faith in God and humility, and dedication to his flock.
As the Holy Eucharist was consecrated and communion was distributed, the congregation sang the soulful thanksgiving hymn, ‘Tuje Thain Somya Bhavarth Muzo’, which filled the Cathedral with an aura of grace and serenity.
Just before the ceremonial blessings Apostolic Nuncio took the occasion to convey greetings on behalf of Holy Father, Pope Francis to Jubilarian, Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo on his 75th Birthday and Silver jubilee of Episcopal Ordination as Bishop of both Shimoga and at present Diocese of Udupi, almost 12 + years each in adjoining geographical areas however with different perspectives one in Malnad the other Coastal Karnataka. Purely a service oriented man took strength from the holy Cross nurtured this Infant diocese to be modelled to imitate at regional and national level.
A Joyous Conclusion:
The celebration concluded with a ceremonial blessing, followed by the cherished hymn in honour of the Patroness, Our Lady of Milagres—‘Milar Maye, Devacha Mandira, Naman, Naman Tuka’. This beautiful composition by the former Rector late legendary Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca provided a perfect and reverent ending to the High Mass.
The cohesive ‘Diocesan Jubilee Celebration Committee’ left no stone unturned in ensuring a well-organized and spiritually fulfilling event. The flawless sound system, large TV screens for a better viewing experience, and live telecast allowed the faithful to fully immerse themselves in the proceedings. A dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly, ensuring comfort and order for parking, drinking water etc to the large 4000 plus gathering.
The Thanksgiving Jubilee Mass was not just an event; it was a heartfelt expression of faith, gratitude, and unity, making it a truly memorable and divine experience for all who attended.
From the entry point at NH 66, then on starting from Mount Rosary Church Santhekatte till the Milagres Cathedral, either sides of the main road were exhibiting welcoming flexes and congratulatory hoardings, banners, buntings etc covering almost two kilometres, was really a feast to the eyes.
‘Felicitations to Jubilarian Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo’
As he completes 75 years and Silver Jubilee of Episcopal Ordination.
It was divine providence as the Church Celebrate Jubilee 2025, with the theme Pilgrims of Hope and today 9th February, 2025, truly a festive look at the spacious Milagres Cathedral Ground at 5.50 pm as the bright sun going down in the Arabian sea, and here the glittering stage all set to welcome the host of distinguished guests for a rare and memorable evening of celebrations viz 75th Birthday of our Bishop and 25 years of Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo’s Episcopal Ordination, to unfold….
Melodious sound of music led by the native Brass band, attractive men and women wearing traditional attires and ornaments holding colourful umbrella, banners etc took part in the colourful procession to escort the guests to the ground with huge round of applause by the audience.
The welcome dance by the School Children, to the lyrics organised by Fr Alwyn Sequeira gave the perfect start to the hour long stage programme.
A short 10 to 15 minutes documentary was presented based on the life and living of Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo gave a glimpse of his early childhood days in Agrar where he was born on 12th November, 1949, formal education and joining the Jeppu Seminary, formation years, Priestly ordination and his service as young priest in Urva, Shirva and Parish priest of Badyar Church. As Episcopal Vicar of Kasargod and most significantly as the Director of CODP for 8 years – his passionate concern for poor and needy. As he was handpicked to be the young Bishop of Mission Diocese of Shimogga, and the transition he was successful to bring over there was shown effectively in a nutshell.
It was the erection of new Udupi Diocese on 12th October, 2012 and the responsibilities as its first and founder Bishop with many challenges and expectations – the success story of 13 great years, the priorities he set for the religious and spiritual awakening, material wellbeing and focus on families – children, youth and women empowerment. The silent revolution through the formation of 18, now 20 Commissions for laity involvement and participation at the micro parish level started yielding anticipated results was highlighted and deservedly acknowledged by the Church in India. He has worked tirelessly for all the welfare of all sections of society –men, women youth and children on the one hand religious and retired priests on the other…..Some vision for Jubilee 2025, house for the poor, Education and Medical Fund…and so on so forth.
As the attentive huge gathering was mesmerized to revolve their memories through the screening of this wonderful documentary, it was time for the invite the guests, Nuncio and Bishops and dignitaries to the well decorated dais with a traditional touch of warmth and love.
In his cordial welcome speech Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves respectfully recalled Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo’s kind and accommodative qualities…… Meanwhile, welcoming all the Bishops present the Jubilarian garlanded and honoured them for their gracious presence…
It was time to cut the Jubilee Cake by the celebrant with host of guests as the Diocesan choir comprising more than 50 members picked from most of the parishes, sung the Happy Birthday and the especially composed again by Uzwaad Editor Fr Alwyn Sequeira – ‘Naman Tumka Govllya, Ullas tumcha Bhaghi deesak…’ to greet the Bishop on his twin Jubilee celebration.
All gathered were served with Cake and soft drinks, immediately after the Holy Mass, as the ICYM and YCS youth of the varado arranged to serve it systematically, while the choir was singing a beautiful hymn ‘ to kiten sangta te tumi kara..’. It was a great moment as the Bishop was invited to occupy a special seat of honour and the guests and representatives of the Diocese led by Vicar General, Chancellor, religious and laity dignitaries – draped him with traditional shawl, garland, fruit basket, memento and a well prepared citation etc with the brass band sound of thunderous claps and whistles echoed and reaching the heavens…!!
As the Chief Guest of the glittering historical event His Excellency Most Rev Dr Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio, Papal Ambassador to India arrived to Kallianpur Cathedral for the first time, was deservedly felicitated on this special occasion.
In continuation of his message Papal Nuncio informed that he was very eager to visit Udupi and it was truly momentous time to listen to his address to the 75 Birthday of our beloved Bishop and his contribution to the Church and Society. It was a proud moment too, as Udupi Diocese successful Pastoral Mission has been chosen by the Catholic Church in India to implement in days / years to come.
His Grace Most Rev Dr Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore archdiocese in his beautiful felicitation address to the Jubilarian Bishop Gerald Lobo, recalled the great virtues and simple life philosophy as he lived a life of values and principles he preached throughout in spite of trials and tribulations keeping unconditional faith in Jesus Christ.
It was the most waited moment to the congregation to listen to our Bishop. Normally his speeches were short and to the point and curious faithful were given the credit for whatever a little he has done and he is just an instrument in God’s hands. Further he acknowledged with humility, whatever within his limits he has done and the impossible God handled…………….He shared the special blessings from the Patroness of the Diocese Mother Milagres in abundance.
Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Council Mr Leslie Aroza proposed vote of thanks to all gathered for making the whole celebrations a great, grand success.
Rev Fr Denis DSa, parish priest of Thottam Church, was there to guide the smooth flow of well organised event and fill the missing links with his usual wit and humour, deserve a mention and appreciation.
Team Mr Preetesh DSa from Moodubelle and Ms Jenisha Jarnish, Kemmannu, presented the programme beautifully to be attractive and enjoyable one.
All Diocesan Associations, Educational Institutions, social organisations greeted the Bishop with bouquets and garlands on this unique occasion.
As the day was truly rejoicing and thanking Almighty Lord for the gift of Bishop Gerald, the large gathering had the contentment of being the witness of a celebration of a lifetime with their Bishop, Apostolic Nuncio and as many as 19 Bishops participating in the event along with hundreds of priests, religious and faithful.
The organisers made elaborate arrangements to distribute meal box to all and it was a meticulous execution of well set programme with YCS & ICYM Volunteers about 250 of them and Parishioners of the nearby churches like Milagres and Mount Rosary, organisations such as Catholic Sabha to monitor traffic and parking and Stree Sanghatan members involving enthusiastically to make it truly unique and special.
Reported by: P. Archibald Furtado.