Mangalore : The post centenary silver jubilee celebrations of the Mangalore Diocese on the first day, based on the theme “your own sons will be your ministers of salvation”  was held on the grounds of Rosario Cathedral on Feb 11 Saturday

The Eucharistic celebration started at 4:00 p.m in which Dr. Savio Hon Tai-Fai, SDB, the secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of People, Vatican, Rome, presided over the event. Around 19 bishops, 425 priests, and a large number of devotees participated.

Guest of Honour Archbishop of  Bangalore Dr. Bernard Moras, said that the Christian community of coastal region is known for their contributions to education, banking, agriculture, and medicine, launching developmental projects and also in enhancing awareness on a social issues.

Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes, participated as the guest of honor and said that hard work is necessary for every organisational development and hence of many have dire4ctly or indirectly been responsible for the celebration of post centenary silver jubilee of Mangalore Diocese.

Dr. V. S. Acharya, the minister for higher education, also the guest of honor, stated that the entire nation has benefited from the Diocese of Mangalore. He said that the amount of Rs. 276 crore have been sanctioned for the development of the minorities, Rs. 50 crore is meant for Christian development.

Fr. Oswald Cardinal Gracias, the archbishop of Bombay, participated as the chief guest of the event.

Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the bishop of Mangalore Diocese, welcomed the gathering.

Dr. Denis Moras Prabhu, the vicar general, Sushil Noronha, the heads of convents, mothers general, Sr. Agatha Mary, Sr. Vincent Mary, Sr Gilberta, Sr Maria Goretti, Sr. Dorin D’Souza, Sr. Philomena Rego, Sr. Prescilla D’Mello, and others were present.