Mangalore: The Mangalorean RC Diocesan 125th year Jubilee celebrations were held on Sunday at Nehru Maidan with 50,000 devotees attending and a dais loaded by Christian bishops and many guests.

CM DVS Gowda who holds DK incharge post, apart from 16portfolios in hand, was the chief guest of honour on the occasion.

He had also participated in the Billava Union centenary celebrations in Town Hall nearby on Sunday with several local leaders.

A Vatican secretary form Viet Nam was present on Central Maidan, besides union Minister Dr MV Moily and local MLAs, also Mumbai Archbishop Oswald Cardinal Gracias, and Bangalore Archbishop Dr. B. Moras.
Dr.Pennachio, Vatican ambassador in India from Delhi presided on the august occasion.

While Dr. Savio Hon Tai-Fai(Vatican secretary) lauded the Vibrancy of Mangalore in sustaining Christian faith for many centuries, CM gave the glad tidings that a sum Diocese of Rs crores was kept apart for Christian people’s development in housing, education and healthcare.

More funds would come for charitable works and service institutions run by them.

Dr. Moily made a vibrant speech, to follow ideals spelt out by Jesus Vivekananda, Theresa and Dalai Lama to promote communal harmony and co-existence. He added that parish priests had protected poor peasants under Land Reforms Act to won lands.

Cardinal O. Gracias acknowledge Mangalorean contributions in Mumbai and social services of local Catholic leaders and parishioners. Fr.S.Pannachio thanked he laity for good works done. Bishops from all ever India attended and were honoured as Mangaloreans, by Mangalore Bishop, Dr.A.P.D souza.

The programme began with a ballet ‘Chaithanyodaya’by Fr Denis D’sa and group.  Denis Moras Prabhu proposed the vote of thanks. Titus Noronaha Fr Prashant Madtha, and Dr Reena Alva compared the great programme.