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Bishop Peter Paul Blesses Renovated Chapel at Bishop’s House, Kodialbail, Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows shines anew with beauty, devotion and history

MANGALORE, May 31, 2025 — On the solemn feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, blessed the newly renovated chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows at the Bishop’s House, Kodialbail. The Eucharistic celebration, marked by festal joy and deep devotion, took place on Saturday, May 31, in the presence of a distinguished gathering of clergy, religious and laity.

The chapel, historically significant and spiritually rich, was first blessed in 1857. It underwent a major facade renovation in 1963, and a decade ago saw the redoing of the flooring. This year’s extensive renovation added a fresh architectural charm and structural enhancements, with an extended new front facade, roof repairs, plastering of walls, fresh painting, electrification, sound system, and improved lighting — restoring the sacred space to new splendour while preserving its legacy.

Celebration with Unity and Gratitude
Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Very Rev. Msgr Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General, Very Rev. Dr Victor George D’Souza, Chancellor, and Rev. Fr Jagadish Pinto, the Chaplain and Financial Administrator, Rev. Fr Rupesh Madtha, Editor Raknno weekly, Fr Maxim Rosario, Fr Trishan D’Souza and Fr Jason Lobo, Fr Valerian D’Souza, Msgr Leslie F. Shenoy, Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao concelebrated the Mass along with several other priests from the Episcopal and City Deaneries. Religious sisters and faithful joined in large numbers to witness and celebrate the historic moment.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, a short felicitation programme was organised by Fr Jagadish Pinto, where the bishop took the opportunity to honour and thank the many generous contributors to the renovation project.

Major benefactors, including Mr Michael D’Souza, an Abu Dhabi-based NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, and the members of Sodality of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mangalore, were honoured with other donors and sponsors by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha for their financial support and commitment to the Church.

A Tribute of Thanks
In his message, Bishop Saldanha expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr Rupesh Madtha, Editor of Raknno Weekly, who spearheaded the renovation efforts with the support of Fr Maxim Noronha and Fr Jagadish Pinto. He also extended appreciation to the priests and the entire staff of the Bishop’s House for their dedication and cooperation in bringing the project to fruition.

The bishop noted, “This chapel has witnessed generations of prayer and tears. It is not merely a structure but a spiritual womb of grace for those who seek Mary’s intercession.”

Sacred Words of Solace
An inspiring detail on the newly extended front facade is the Latin inscription: “Cor Meum Moerens” — meaning “My heart weeps.” These words encapsulate the sorrow of the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Sorrows, and stand as a symbol of maternal compassion and intercession. The inscription reminds the faithful that the grieving heart of Mary offers solace and strength to all who turn to her in prayer and suffering.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows now stands as a renewed beacon of prayer and peace in the heart of Mangalore, drawing pilgrims, priests, and people into a deeper encounter with the sorrowful yet consoling presence of Mary, Mother of the Church.