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Inauguration and Blessing of the Renovated St Anne Chapel, Thottam

The faithful of St Anne Church, Thottam, gathered in large numbers on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to witness a historic and grace-filled moment — the Inaugural and Blessing of the Renovated St Anne Chapel, a cherished spiritual landmark of the parish. The solemn celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, in the presence of clergy, religious, dignitaries and parishioners.

The programme began at 4.15 p.m. with the ceremonial welcome of the Bishop and invited dignitaries. At 4.30 p.m., the Bishop solemnly inaugurated and blessed the renovated chapel, marking a significant milestone in the faith journey of the parish community.

The event was follo…
[17:51, 11/02/2026] Archibold Writer: Soon I will send the final report....
Stage program start at 7.30 pm, followed by dinner

[20:28, 11/02/2026] Archibold Writer: Inauguration and Blessing of the Renovated St Anne Chapel, Thottam

The faithful of St Anne Church, Thottam, gathered in large numbers on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to witness a historic and grace-filled moment — the Inaugural and Blessing of the Renovated St Anne Chapel, a cherished spiritual landmark of the parish. The solemn celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, in the presence of clergy, religious, dignitaries and parishioners.

The programme began at 4.15 p.m. with the ceremonial welcome of the Bishop and invited dignitaries. At 4.30 p.m., the Bishop solemnly inaugurated and blessed the renovated chapel, marking a significant milestone in the faith journey of the parish community. 

The event was followed by a short break and refreshments, after which the faithful gathered to recite the Holy Rosary, appropriately on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A candlelight procession then moved reverently from the chapel to the main church, symbolising the living continuity of faith between the past and the present. The evening continued with felicitation of benefactors and an episcopal message by the Bishop, who appreciated the parish’s dedication to preserving its spiritual heritage while strengthening community life. The celebration concluded with a fellowship dinner, fostering unity and joy among all present.

Brief background of this St Anne’s Chapel:
The St Anne Chapel holds a special place in the history of Thottam. Dedicated to St Anne, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the chapel stands as a witness to the deep-rooted faith of earlier generations. It was originally constructed in ancient Thottam by the Vaz family, prominent businessmen who had trade relations with the Portuguese and others. Their generosity and devotion led to the establishment of this sacred space long before the present parish church came into existence.

Records state, the chapel construction started in 1885, however it took 20 years i.e. on 24th May, 1905 got inaugurated with Holy Mass celebration by Very Rev Fr Aloysius S.L. Fernandes  Vicar of Milagres Church and others. The property was donated by Minguel Vaz.

Indeed, the chapel predates the spacious and artistic St Anne Church that was later established on 19th May in 1933, as an  independent parish in a make shift thatched house nearly a century ago, and under the initiative and later under the supervision of Msgr Denis Jerome D’Souza, then Vicar Forane of the Kallianpur Varado, in1938 a permanent tiled structure was established. The same Church was beautifully renovated under Rev Fr Francis Cornelio and blessed on 28th May, 2019.

Today it is one of the fast growing vibrant Church in the Diocese with Rev Fr Denis DSa as Vicar well-known for his preaching with more than 330 families and 1300+ Catholics, also houses St Anne’s Convent and a Primary School.

Coming to the renovated Chapel, located a mile away, over the decades, it has continued to serve as a cherished place of prayer and devotion for the local faithful, with Holy Mass on Sunday.

The recent renovation has carefully preserved the chapel’s historical and spiritual character while enhancing its beauty and functionality for present and future generations. The successful completion of this project reflects the dedication of the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Denis DSa the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils, the Vaz family, generous donors, and the wholehearted cooperation of parishioners and well-wishers.

The inauguration and blessing of the renovated chapel marked not only the restoration of a century old historical structure but also a renewal of faith and gratitude.

As the Bishop of Udupi Rt Rev Dr Gerald Issac Lobo reminded in his homily refering Psalmist  which reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain” (Psalm 127:1). With hearts filled with thanksgiving, the faithful of St Anne Church look forward to the ’Newly Blessed Chapel’ continuing to be a beacon of prayer, heritage and devotion for many generations to come,  a unique place known for interfaith harmony and brotherhood.

Reported by Archibald Furtado.