Messages
Message from the Parish Priest
Dear Pangla Parishioners and the devotees of St. John the Evangelist, the beloved disciple of Jesus, my sincere greetings to you all.
At the very outset with love and happiness, I pray Lord’s blessings on you and your family. It was the will of God that I should serve you from June 2017 in Pangla / Shankarapura parish. As Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo had great confidence and trust in me, I gladly accepted the responsibility of taking up the charge of this parish with its 780 families and five educational institutions.
As I observed Pangla / Shankarapura parishioners are in love with spiritual activities and meaningful liturgy. They take keen interest to have ward wise liturgy which is conducted with great care and precision. Since the parishioners are hardworking and open for innovative ideas, a lot of good work is done in the parish through 20 Pastoral commissions. If any pastor say that he is very successful and happy in his parish as its parish priest, it is only because of this type of attitude, “ Not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do is the secret of happiness”. Likewise I too feel the same in this active and vibrant parish.
Our parishioners always remain model to all the Jasmine cultivators. It was owing to relentless attempt by the previous parish priest late Rev.Fr. Basil S. Peris and some efforts of our elders, Jasmine cultivation was started and it was faithfully continued for almost 82 years. For several years for majority of our people Jasmine cultivation was the main source of income. In these days even though there is some other income still our parishnores grow Jasmine plants and continue the good tradition of Jasmine cultivation.
In our parish, all the church associations are active and all the commissions are faithfully involved in the parish activities. Over the years our parish has become spiritually rich and people in our ‘WARDS’ have built up harmonious relationship with each other and they support one another.
Together with my parishioners and parish clergy I am very much delighted to inform you that this year our St. John The Evangelist Church, Pangla / Shankarpura celebrates its Centenary year. During this Centenary celebration our Parish Pastoral Council has organized the following activities:
- Erect an open-air-stage in the church ground.
- Whitewash and painting of the church building.
- Exchanging views on Jasmine Cultivation.
- At the Diocesan Level Volleyball and Throw ball competition.
- Entertainment day of Parishioners “Shathamanothsav Santh”.
- Natakotsava by Kalaradhan.
- Udupi Diocesan Level Konkani Singing competition.
- Married peoples day.
- Day for the Clergy and the Religious from the Parish.
- Day for the elders and sick of the Parish.
- The Commemoration of the faithful departed of the parish.
To carry all these programs, we need your prayers and good wishes.
I do continue to pray for the sick, lonely and all those who are in abroad for their daily bread and to achieve their bright future. I pray Lord’s blessings on all of you.
St.John the Evangelist, Pray for us.
Fr.Ferdinand Gonsalves
Parish Priest
