The long-cherished dream of the Catholic faithful of Handli became a reality on 28 September 2026 with the solemn blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed St. Mother Theresa Chapel at Handli by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore. The foundation stone of the chapel was laid on 25 November 2024 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar.
The inauguration marked a significant milestone in the history of Handli village, bringing together people from different religious backgrounds in a remarkable expression of unity and communal harmony. In a gesture of goodwill, the non-Catholic residents declared a holiday in the village to enable everyone to participate in the celebration. Nearly 1,500 people witnessed the memorable occasion, reflecting the spirit of fraternity and mutual respect that unites the village community.
The celebrations began with a grand ceremonial welcome for the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Urban Santosh Fernandes, and the chief guest, Archbishop Emeritus Bernard Moras. Parishioners and villagers welcomed the dignitaries with garlands, bouquets and a traditional floral welcome. The procession, accompanied by a band and flower petals, added colour and solemnity to the occasion. The blessing ceremony began with the blessing of the chapel bell, followed by the ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the main entrance. The main altar and principal cross were blessed, and holy water was sprinkled on the walls of the chapel and the assembled faithful. Rev. Fr. Ronald D’Souza, the Dean, and the Parish Priest also participated in the blessing ceremony outside the chapel.
During the solemn Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Emeritus Bernard Moras, in his homily, emphasized the importance of unity, mutual respect and harmony among people of different faiths. He highlighted that the participation of the entire village community reflected the true spirit of Christian witness and the Church’s mission of promoting peace, fraternity and understanding. He observed that the inauguration was not merely a Catholic celebration but a joyful occasion for the whole village, transcending religious, caste and social boundaries.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was organised to honour those who contributed to the construction of the chapel. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Urban Santosh Fernandes, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Duming Dias for his constant guidance, pastoral concern and generous support throughout the construction of the chapel. Two religious sisters from Handli village belonging to the Congregation of the Helpers of Mary were also honoured in recognition of their religious vocation and service to the Church. All the families of Handli village were likewise honoured and presented with an honorarium in appreciation of their support and participation.
The inauguration of St. Mother Theresa Chapel stands as a lasting testimony to faith, perseverance and collective effort. More than a place of worship, the chapel symbolises the unity, generosity and goodwill of the people of Handli. The wholehearted participation of the entire village community made the occasion a historic milestone, strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual respect among people of all faiths. May the chapel continue to be a beacon of faith, hope, compassion and peace, inspiring generations to grow in love for God and in service to one another.
