It was a day to remember for the residents of Barkur. The renovated church building of St Peter’s Church, Barkur, famed for its Gothic styled architecture was blessed by Udupi bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo here on Sunday, December 15.
Fr Philip Neri Aranha, parish priest, Barkur church, Fr Stany B Lobo, chancellor, diocese of Udupi, Fr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, Gerald M Gonsalves, vice president, Vivet Lewis, secretary, Dolphy D'souza, coordinator of commissions were present.
In his homily, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, "The dream of all Barkurians has come true today. A beautiful church has been built and it involves sacrifice and hard work of all parishioners. It is not just a building of stones but a structure built from the emotions of the faithful. Devalaya is called as place of God in Indian culture. It is a holy place where faithful keep their prayers in front of God. People recognize the presence of God in this place and God showers his blessings on his faithful.
"The relationship between God and his people is a special one. The creator does not need a place of worship but we need a place of worship to feel his presence and keep our prayers in front of him. Jesus, son of God, explained the true meaning of a place of worship. He preached in God’s house and drove out the vendors who were doing their business in church premises.
"Jesus is the new church and altar. He is the priest for us. We have become a part of the church through the sacrament of Baptism and we become the temple of God. Today, we see this beautiful church. However, let us build the temple of God within us and be a true follower of Catholic Church. May St Peter bless us and help us to be true temples of God.”
Fr Stephen D'Souza, director of Liturgy Commission narrated the ceremony.