Mangalore Diocese News

Report: Arwin Fernandes
Photos: Leston Lobo

Nirkan - Bantwal , May 2, 2024 : On May 1st, a grand inauguration & Blessing ceremony was held at Nirkan-Vogga to celebrate the opening of the St Thomas Church Hall. The day began with a thanksgiving Eucharist, which was presided over by Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, and several other priests at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Nirkan.

Following the Eucharist, a procession was held to the new hall, where Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha inaugurated the building. The Nirkan choir group led the prayer song, while the bishop and the parish priest - Fr Leo William Lobo, led the prayer. Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha blessed the 'St. Thomas Church Hall' by sprinkling holy water. Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Sri Lakshmi Narayan Sharma, president of Kavalapdoor Gram Panchayath; Sr Celine Vas, superior of Holy Family Convent- Nirkan; Vincent Bennis & Shanthi Veigas, vice-president & secretary of Nirkan parish pastoral council; and Austin Lobo - coordinator of Commissions, Nirkan Church.

In his welcoming speech, Fr Leo Lobo, the parish priest, extended a warm welcome to all the guests. The engineer, contractors, and daily laborers who worked on the Hall were felicitated. The names of all the sponsors were read out and thanked for their wholehearted help and contribution in making this huge project a great success in the history of Nirkan.

Fr Leo William Lobo, was felicitated for taking the first step to start this project and for his selfless service during the project, which will be remembered forever. Vincent Bennis, vice president of Nirkan, was also felicitated for his active participation in the successful completion of this project.

Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was felicitated for his presence on the occasion as president & inaugurator of the program. In his speech, bishop Peter Paul Saldanha addressed the gathering and wished all the parishioners, the church hall with sufficient parking facilities in the clean environment would provide better services to the people in the coming days.

Vincent Bennis, vice president, conveyed a vote of thanks to everyone who contributed to the project, and Alphonse Fernandes compered the program. The event was a testimony to the power of collaboration and dedication, and it will be remembered as a significant milestone in the history of Nirkan.