125 years of M'lore diocese celebrations on Feb 11, 12

30 Bishops, over 500 priests and 50,000 people expected to take part

The Diocese of Mangalore is completing 125 years of its existence this year and to mark this occasion, the Post Centenary Silver Jubilee celebrations will be held on February 11 and 12.

Addressing a press meet here on Monday, Mangalore Diocese Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said that the jubilee programme on February 11 will begin at 4 pm at Rosario Cathedral grounds with the Eucharistic celebration. Congregation of the Evangelisation of People Secretary Rev Archbishop Dr Savio Hon Tai-Fai will be the main celebrant.

A formal programme will be held after the celebration at 5.15 pm. CBCI- Secretary General and Archbishop of Agra Rev Albert D’Souza will be the chief guest. Rev Archbishop Dr Savio Hon Tai-Fai will preside over the programme. Archbishop of Bangalore Rev Dr Bernard Moras, DK District-in-Charge Minister Krishna J Palemar, Udupi District-in-Charge Minister Dr V S Acharya, MP Oscar Fernandes, MP Mabel Rebello will be the guests of honour.

On February 12, the programme will begin at 4 pm at Nehru Maidan with Eucharistic celebration by Archbishop of Bombay Rev Oswald Cardinal Gracias.

The formal programme will have Rev Archbishop Dr Savio Hon Tai-Fai as the chief guest and Apostolic Nuncio in India Rev Salvatore Pennacchio will preside. Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, Union Minister of Corporate Affairs Dr M Veerappa Moily will be the guests of honour.
As many as 30 Bishops, over 500 priests and 50,000 people are expected to participate.

161 houses
A project of constructing 161 houses for the poor was initiated with the involvement of the family, parish and the diocese to mark the jubilee celebrations. As many as 5 houses have already been constructed and 97 are under construction.

The diocese has already disbursed Rs 28 lakhs and has received Rs 52.30 lakhs from donors. The houses will be built completely free of cost for people who are very poor. As many as five houses have been identified in Panja.

A hostel will be constructed for students who are poor and free education will be given to poor students up to PUC.