MILAGRES of MANGALORE - Centurion Church

MILAGRES of MANGALORE - Centurion Church

I J Saldanha Shet, Mangalore

Mangalore, January 8: Today, a year long run-up to the Century Celebration of one of the two earliest major Churches of Mangalore Proper, Milagres, will commence. Mangalore Today brings you complete coverage on this aspect as the the programme unfolds on this exclusive website.

 

The Parish of Milagres, once covering the Eastern half of the present City of Mangalore (now covers Falnir, Highland, Attavar and so on), was first established in 1680,on land given by Rani Chennama of Ikkeri and is now over 329 years old. Rt.Rev.Thomas De Castro,Vicar Apostolic for Canara and Malabar, established the primary Church and his official seat on the same spot that the present Milagres now stands even though Rosario was already in existence a short distance to the West.  De Castro died on 16 July 1684, his built-up tomb can be seen near the entrance to the present cemetery on the South side of the Church, the actual early Milagres which had under gone reconstruction in 1756. The Milagres Church was moved and constructed at its present spot in 1801, following the captivity era,dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles (Milar Mai).

At start of 1900’s the facade of the Church collapsed - this compelled the extensive rebuilding and got its present magnificent form and facade. The reconstruction was under the direction of the then active Italian Jesuit missionary -architect, Fr.Diamenti, who is credited with several Catholic monuments of the era. This became an attractive unique structure, Milagres Church, the heart of the City as seen today, was dedicated in 1911. The Century of this event is set to be marked between January,2010 and January,2011. The step by step programme is set to be closely
tracked by "MANGALORE TODAY" for your information and interest.

It commences, officially on Sunday,10.012010 at 09.15AM,  with a con celebrated solemn Holy Mass led by Rt.Rev.Dr.Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore; with the launching of the Centenary year [2010-2011] celebrations of the structure standing today. The details and historical background of the programme will unfold as per the programme, watch it on "Mangalore Today".

INAUGURAL PROGRAMME:

January 8, 2010:
Marathon hourly prayer and adoration by groups of the Parish.
The aim is to seek the LORD’s Blessings on the run -up to the Mega year long celebrations.

1. 09.15.am  :Solemn Festive Eucharistic con celebrated Holy Mass, led by Rt.Rev.Dr.A.P.D’Souza.Bishop of Mangalore-symbolic inauguration.

2.Thereafter : Launching of the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Miracles, which will start  a  yearlong visitation to each and every family and home of the Parish.

3.Followed By:

• Blood donation by 100 donors.
• Health card to 1000 Families.                  
• Education Scholarships for 100 students.
• Financial support to 100 Physically Challenged persons.
• Housing assistance to 100 Families (Diocesan level)
• Donation of Rs:5,55,555. to the Diocesan Health Fund.

NB: Special Attraction - Jubilee Programme: On Sunday, January 24, 2010.
                                 Inter Parish Sports Meet at Mangala Stadium: 8.30am to 5.00pm