Bishop of Belgaum Derek Fernandes seen with priests at the Holy Family Church in Castle Rock. Captured by : Louis Rodrigues
The otherwise sleepy town of Castlerock on the ghats near the Goa border was alive on Monday on the occasion of the blessing of the 272-year-old Holy Family Church.
Bishop of Belgaum Derek Fernandes, who is also Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Karwar, blessed the renovated church and also presided over the Holy Eucharist.
The Goa Jesuits had erected a chapel here in 1750 to cater to the needs of the railway employees who had settled here.
While 25 families mostly of Goan origin live here as their ancestors left Goa during the Portuguese era.
“This church is a holy place and all of us come to visit Jesus in this church. It is also built not only to meet the Lord but also to meet each other,” said Bishop Fernandes, urging people to maintain the sanctity while maintaining the unity of the faithful.
Many priests from Goa, Karwar and Belagavi were present for the Holy Eucharist. A procession was also held after the Mass. Many Goans were present on the occasion.
