The newly built Presbytery and parish office was inaugurated by Mr. Vinay Kumar Sorake (MLA Kaup and Ex Minister) and blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo (Bishop, Udupi Diocese) on Saturday 19th November 2016 at St. John Evangelist Church Pangla. A large number of priests, faithful, guests and school children gathered in front of the new glittering Presbytery. Holy Eucharistic Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Dr. Gerald Isaac Lob along with V. Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro (Vicar Forane, Shirva Deanery), Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis (Rector, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu Mangalore) and many other resident and guests priests. The inaugural function began with a warm welcome by Deacon Roy. Ex. Minister Mr. Vinayak Sorake to inaugurated the Presbytery followed by lighting of traditional lamp by Bishop Gerald Lobo, Mr. Sorake, Bishop blessed the entire Presbytery along Fr. Stany Tauro. After the Inaugural function and blessing of Presbytery by all the guests of honour proceeded ceremoniously with the band played by members of St. John’s Band, Pangla Parish to the stage for the stage program wherein a large number of people gathered. The stage program began with a beautiful prayer song by members of Church Choir followed by a mind blowing prayer dance performance by little kids of St. John English Medium School students. Mr. Mark Vaz accorded a warm welcome to all the guests of honour on dais and felicitated them with Jasmine garlands Parish Priest Fr. Leslie expressed his feeling and thanked each and every one for the selfless service, donations, and efforts towards building of the Presbytery. He was grateful to all the people involved in construction of this beautiful Presbytery. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sorake said he was little afraid to enter today as Fr. Leslie is a bit strict when it comes to job. He not only built Residence for priests but also equally concerned about building houses for the poor which he was regularly following with me for financial grant which I am happy that I have done it before my visit today. Secondly, this place is not only a place of worship but an educational hub. Thousands have been well educated from here through the educational institutions built in this church from a century and it is due to the education of people. Speaking on the occasion Fr. Tauro said he always used to glance at our church clean surrounding maintained by Fr. Leslie while passing from this road but now he has decided to stop over and spend a few hours at the beautifully built Presbytery at Pangla Parish. He also praised Pangla Parish and people for all out development, education, leadership. He said in Shirva deanery he considers Pangla as the best parish. Vicar General Fr. Baptist also spoke on the occasion. Let this Presbytery be a center of peace of harmony and let love and affection spread all around from this place” he said. Ms. Juliet Veera also spoke on the occasion and congratulated parishioners for building a wonderful residence for the priests. On the occasion the main engineer and contractors and workers of new Presbytery were honoured by Bishop namely Engineer Sandeep Almeida, Contractor Maxim Alva and Ashok Poojari. Also on the occasion owner of Jasmine Catering owner Robert Fernandes was honoured by Bishop for sponsoring the lunch for all the people attended the inaugural function. Finally, the provider of pure vegetarian food for 3000 people who attended the inaugural function Ragavendra Bhat too was honoured by Bishop. Many other personnel who were associated in constructing the Residence was also honoured namely Anil D’Sa (Anil Sounds and Electricity), Elias Monis (Contractor). A special honour was given to Fr. Leslie D’Souza on behalf of parishioners of Pangla for his able leadership in completion of beautiful Presbytery and Church office for the future priests. He was honoured by Bishop Gerald with a shawl, garland and a fruit basket. In his presidential address Bishop thanked each and every Pangalites for their contribution whether it is in money wise or various other means to construct the Presbytery. He said Fr. Leslie never wanted it to build during his tenure but the parishioners wanted it as it was in very dilapidated status and needed urgent re-construction. Bishop said it is not Presbytery but “SEVA BHAVAN” because visit this place frequently for their daily needs. “ Today I feel very proud to be amongst you on your joyful moment and especially thank you as you have built this Seva Bhavan to the priests as it shows your love and affection towards the priests of the diocese. God has blessed this construction and with His blessing it is completed successfully and also a very attractive and beautiful SEVA BHAVAN he said. Ms. SimmaiD’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. The entire stage program was wonderfully compered by Walston D’Sa and Flavia Menezes.

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