Bishop Gerald Lobo Inaugurates Renovated St. Anne Chapel in Udupi, Urges Faithful to Deepen Inner Devotion

Udupi, Feb. 12, 2026: The renovated St. Anne Chapel at Thottam was solemnly inaugurated and blessed on Wednesday by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Apostolic Administrator of the Udupi Catholic Diocese, in a ceremony marked by prayer, solemnity and a call to renewed spiritual commitment.

Presiding over the inaugural rites and the Holy Eucharist, Bishop Lobo reflected on the sacredness of places of worship, reminding the faithful of their responsibility to preserve their spiritual character. “Temples are sacred spaces that signify the presence of God. It is our duty to uphold their sanctity,” he said.

Drawing attention to India’s rich spiritual heritage, the bishop noted that places of worship have long served as centres of prayer and devotion. However, he cautioned against reducing faith to mere external observances. “External celebrations without inner devotion lose their meaning,” he observed, urging the congregation to cultivate genuine reverence for God and compassion for those in need.

Expressing hope that the renovated chapel would become a vibrant centre of prayer and spiritual renewal, Bishop Lobo reminded the faithful that authentic faith transcends physical structures. “Structures of stone may fade with time, but the living temple within each of us endures,” he said, calling on believers to become living witnesses of faith in their daily lives.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the congregation gathered for the Rosary and participated in a candlelight procession from the chapel to the main parish church, symbolising unity and shared devotion. The formal rites of inauguration and blessing were conducted by Fr. Wilson D’Souza.

A felicitation programme held later at the parish open stage honoured donors, architects and others who contributed to the renovation project. Among the dignitaries present were Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna and former MLA J.R. Lobo.

Also in attendance were representatives from the media, civic bodies, financial institutions and Church leadership, including Raghupathi Bhat, Managing Director of Daijiworld Pvt. Ltd; Christian Development Corporation Director Prashanth Jathanna; Congress leader Prasad Raj Kanchan; Sarva Dharma Coordination Committee President Ramesh Thingalaya; and MCC Bank Chairman Anil Lobo.

Representing diocesan and parish leadership were Milagres Cathedral Rector Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Stephen D’Souza and Convent Superior Sr. Sushma. Major donor Oswald Vaz, Peter Andrew D’Souza, Shanthi Fernandes, Chairperson of the 20 Commissions of the Parish Pastoral Council, and Clifford Leena Vaz representing the Vaz family were also present for the occasion.

By Fr. Denis D’Sa, P.R.O. of Udupi Diocese