The new St Anthony Chapel at Pakala was solemnly inaugurated on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, marking a historic moment for the local Catholic community. Before the inauguration of the Chapel, Most Rev. Dr Louis Mascarenhas, Bishop of Allahabad, blessed the statue of St Anthony.
The inauguration was led by Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangaluru, who ceremoniously cut the ribbon and opened the chapel’s main door. The ceremony continued with a solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi. Concelebrants included: Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Louis Mascarenhas, Bishop Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga, Msgr Ferdinand Gonsdalves, Vicar General, V. Rev. Fr Stephen D’Souza, Chancellor, V. Rev. Fr Roshan D’Souza, Judicial Vicar, V. Rev. Fr Leslie D’Souza, Dean of Shirva Deanery, and several priests from the dioceses of Udupi and Mangaluru
During the Mass, Bishop Francis Serrao delivered the homily, emphasizing the importance of heartfelt devotion. “External celebrations without inner devotion are meaningless,” he said. “While churches made of stone may perish, the living temple within us endures.”
Bishop Gerald Lobo blessed and consecrated the new altar with holy oil, while Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza blessed the tabernacle.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a vibrant felicitation programme was held in the Chapel premises. The event began with a welcome dance by the children of St Joseph’s Church, Belman. Distinguished guests on the dais included: Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Louis Mascarenhas, Bishop Francis Serrao, V. Rev. Fr Leslie D’Souza, Rev. Fr Frederick Mascarenhas, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Arnold Mathias SVD, former Assistant Priest, Rev. Fr Oswald Vaz, Assistant Priest of Belman, Mr Gregory Menezes, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council and Mrs Janet D’Mello, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council.
Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza praised St Anthony’s spirit of humility and charity, and expressed hope that the chapel would be a source of grace to all pilgrims. Bishop Serrao described the construction of the chapel under Fr Frederick Mascarenhas’ leadership as “nothing short of a miracle.” Bishop Mascarenhas reflected on his childhood visits to the chapel and spoke of the deep faith on which it was built.
MLC Ivan D’Souza also shared fond childhood memories of the chapel and promised continued support for the Christian community.
In his presidential address, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo called the new chapel the “14th miracle of St Anthony”, expressing hope that it would soon be recognized as a declared chapel. He lauded Rev. Fr Frederick Mascarenhas for his unwavering commitment and vision, and formally felicitated him on behalf of the Diocese of Udupi.
Fr Frederick Mascarenhas warmly welcomed the gathering, while Mrs Janet D’Mello proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was efficiently compered by Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO, Diocese of Udupi. V. Rev. Fr Dr Leslie D’Souza led the grace before meals.