Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru, blessed the newly built home for the aged 'Sevanilaya' and new convent and chapel belonging to Sisters Helpers of Mount Rosary at Lower Bendore on Wednesday, December 12.

The bishop blessed the new building and later celebrated the thanks giving mass as a main celebrant.

After the mass a short stage programme was held. Fr Vincent Monteiro, parish priest, Bendur Church, Sr Precilla D’Mello, superior general, Sisters, Helpers of Mount Rosary, Sr Asha, superior, Christina D’Souza, wellwisher of Helpers of Mount Rosary, were present on the dais.

Delivering the presidential address the Bishop said, “It is good news to the diocese that Sisters of Mount Rosary have opened their second convent. Same time they have decided to serve the elderly which is the need of the hour. By our good deeds we can represent God. By this we can convert ourselves as ambassadors of the service, charity and love. I congratulate the Sisters of Mount Rosary for their new home and old age home. I assure all support for them in their future mission.”

In her welcoming speech, Sr Precilla said, “Helpers of Mount Rosary, a religious congregation of the Diocesan Right was founded 28 years ago, by Msgr. Edwin C. Pinto at Alangar. . In 2005, Pope declared our congregation as Religious congregation of the diocese. Today we have opened our another convent here. Miss. Lucy Sequiera, and her sister Agnes Lobo who donated this land to our congregation as a token of gratitude for our service to them. . Their close friend Christina D’Souza and her husband helped them to hand over the property to us. As per their last wish we constructed an old age home called Sevanilaya here. With the support of parish priest of Bendore and parishioners, and many other donors from Mangalore and other places, and of our own sisters sacrifices, our dream became reality. Here we are assuring all types of services for elderly people as well as spiritual and community services.”

Wishing the sisters, Fr Vincent said, “For the past one year the Sisters of Mount Rosary are rendering their services to Bendore parish. Within a short time they have won the hearts of people. Now they are going to start their old age home in city. I wish them all the success in their new mission. Same time I congratulate them for their new convent."

Late Lucy Sequiera and late Agnes Lobo are the donors of the land.
The bishop was felicitated by the superior general. Christine D'Souza, wife of late Christopher D'Souza, Mr. Mark D’souza Contractor were also honoured by the Bishop.

Sr Asha rendered the vote of thanks. Fr Alwyn Serrao, principal, Padua College, Fr Richard Coelho, director, Fr Muller Charitable Institutions, and Fr Rohan, Fr. Walter D’Mello, Judicial Vicar. Were present. Mr. Naveen D’Souza, chairman for social justice for health and education & secretary for KPCC. Mr. Arun Mendes and Mr. Sunil Mendes, and many other wellwishers of sisters, and the elderly who have already admitted to the elderly home, Sevanilaya were also present