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Karkala, May 17, 2013 : The platinum jubilee celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kanajar was held on Friday May 16.

Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo along with vicar general Msgr Dr Baptist Menezes arrived at 9.15 am. The bishop then unveiled the bust of the founder of Our Lady of Lourdes Church Msgr William A Lewis.

Later the donors, sponsors and murdom players were honoured by offering blessed candles. The mass was then celebrated by the Bishop along with vicar general of Udupi diocese, vicar forane of Karkala Fr John A Barboza and parish priest Dr John Mendonca.

In his homily the bishop spoke about mother Mary and her obedience and also about the faith she had in Jesus. "She asked the followers of Jesus to do what he asks them to do," he said.

There were 14 other priests from the neighbouring parishes who attended the jubilee celebration service.

Soon after the mass, all the parishioners and guests gathered at Kanajar Souhardha Bhavan for a stage programme. The bishop presided over the function. The programme started with a prayer song sung by the church choir group. The gathering was welcomed by parish priest Dr John Mendonca.

The special souvenir to mark the platinum jubilee celebration was released by the chief guest Msgr Dr Baptist Menezes. He also read the message sent from the Vatican by Pope Francis on this occasion.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of bible quiz and cultural competitions which were conducted earlier. The main attraction of the programme was felicitation of the priests and vice-presidents of the parish so far. Bishop, vicar general and vicar forane were also felicitated on behalf the parishioners.

Ignatius D’Souza, vice-president of the parish council gave the vote of thanks. At 12.35 pm the programme concluded with a blessing by vicar forane Fr John Barboza. Lunch was then served to all the parishioners and guests and people from other communities.