The 175th Jubilee of St. Patrick’s Church
The 175th Jubilee of St. Patrick’s Church, Bangalore,
was celebrated with gaiety
Thousands of Catholics gathered at St Patrick Church, Brigade Road, on Monday, 10th October to celebrate the 175th Year of legacy of Faith. The Pontifical Eucharistic Celebration began at 5.15 p.m. with a solemn procession. This Holy Mass was officiated by His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio to India, together with His Grace Archbishop Bernard Moras, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, Bishop Thomas Antony Vazapilly (Bishop of Mysore), Bishop Peter Machado (Bishop of Belgaum), Bishop Henry D’ Souza (Bishop of Bellary), Bishop Antony Kariyil, CMI (Bishop of Mandya), Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera (Bishop of Eluru), and a number of priests, sisters and thousands of devotees. The Provincial Superiors of various religious congregations were also participated in the celebration.
The liturgy began with a liturgical dance and the poornakumbha swagatha. At the doxology, the Maha Aarathi was taken. The Parish Choir led the singing with its meaningful hymns and melodious singing.
After the Holy Mass, Msgr. C. Francis, Parish Priest and Vicar General of the Archdiocese, felicitated the dignitaries.
His Grace Archbishop Bernard Moras thanked and congratulated the Apostolic Nuncio for making himself free for the celebration. His Grace also mentioned that His Excellency, during his tenure as Nuncio, visited Bangalore several times and that we would cherish his visits in the years to come. On behalf of all of us, Archbishop Bernard Moras wished His Excellency every success in his new assignment as the Apostolic Nuncio to Poland.
St. Patrick’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Bangalore. The Church is known for its architecture and grandeur which was thrice renovated to preserve its historical heritage. Several important ecclesiastical events had taken place in this church. And many Bishops, and a few Parish Priests and prominent lay persons were buried in this church.
The three-day long celebration that began on Friday, 7th October was concluded on Monday, 10th October with a solemn Holy Mass, a cultural programme and rendition of devotional songs in several languages. Delicious dinner was served to all the participants.
