Mangalore: The Titular Feast of St. Anne Church was celebrated with great devotion and solemnity at Kelarai parish today. The Holy Eucharistic Celebration was led by Rev. Fr Richard Coelho (Parish Priest, Paldane) as the main celebrant, along with Rev. Fr James Dsouza (Vicarvar, City Deanery) and our Parish Priest Rev. Fr Sylvester D’Costa as co-celebrants.
On this joyous occasion, the new church band was officially inaugurated by the Parish Priest. This was followed by the blessing of the Infant Jesus Grotto and the newly constructed Church extension block, which was blessed and inaugurated by Rev. Fr James Dsouza.
In his homily, Fr. Richard Coelho emphasized the wisdom and deep-rooted faith of our elders—many of whom may not hold formal education, yet embody a profound understanding of life and unwavering belief in God. He stressed that it is through their guidance and example that we have received the Christian faith, which is sadly fading in today’s times. Drawing from the lives of St. Anne and St. Joachim, he reminded the faithful of the vital role elders play in shaping virtuous generations and called on everyone to honour, respect, and never see them as a burden.
The celebration also included a felicitation ceremony where various benefactors were honoured for their generous contributions towards the extended portico, band instruments, and dinner arrangements, with acknowledgments presented by Rev. Fr James Dsouza. Additionally, Rev. Fr Richard Coelho honoured the contributors to the Mudhom.
