Bishop Francis Serrao SJ blessed Renovated Holy Family Church at Chitradurga, Diocese of Shimoga 

Chitradurga, May 1, 2024: Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, blessed the Renovated Holy Family Church in Chitradurga, Diocese of Shimoga, on April 30th, 2024. 

Parishioners, together with the Parish Priest Rev. Fr Clarence Dias, welcomed Bishop Francis Serrao SJ in a traditional way. Priests, Religious and a good number of faithful witnessed the ceremony. Ex MLA Mr. J. R. Lobo, was present. 

Bishop Francis Serrao SJ and Mr. J. R. Lobo unfurled the cloth of the donor’s name marble, at the entrance of the church. 

Then Bishop Francis Serrao SJ began the Holy Eucharist; he blessed the cross, Ambo; and after the homily, he anointed the altar. After the communion, the bishop blessed the tabernacle (where the sacred host is kept).

Fr Lawrence D’Souza was the General Emcee for the liturgy. Fr Alwyn Stanislaus also helped in making known the importance of each blessing. Fr Nelson D’Souza led the choir. 

At the end of the Holy Eucharist, Parish Priest Fr Clarence Dias thanked the donors and all those who helped make the dream of renovation come true over the last two years. Parishioners felicitated the bishop, parish priest, Fr Clarence, and Mr. J. R. Lobo for helping in getting the minority fund for the renovation of the church. 

Parishioners also felicitated Fr Lancy Barthalomeo D’Souza, a former parish priest who struggled to apply for the minority fund and had a vision for the renovation of the church. 

Link to the ceremony:

https://www.youtube.com/live/-hN9VNTgPIA?si=QCn1HMu931Vz632d