Mangaluru: The shrine of St John Paul II, which was built in memory of his visit to Bajpe on February 6, 1986, was inaugurated by Dr Salvatore Pennacchio, the Papal Nuncio to India, at Bajpe on November 27, in the presence of thousands of devotees.
Built with the generous support of the devotees of Mangalore diocese at a cost Rs 1.5 crore, the statue of the Saint John Paul II is 6 feet. It is given by the Papal Nuncio.
There was a solemn Eucharistic mass held on the occasion.
Later, during the formal programme Dr Salvatore Pennacchio addressed the devotees. In his address, he said, this is the first shrine in India dedicated to Pope John Paul II. Bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo called John Paul II as the messenger of peace.
Oscar Fernandes, Abhaychandra Jain and Ramanath Rai, MLC Ivan D’Souza, MLA J.R Lobo and Mohiuddin Bava spoke on the occasion.
Pope’s visit to Bajpe
Recalling the visit of the then pope, the Bishop said that about five lakh people had gathered to have a glimpse of the pope in Bajpe.
The Bishop also recalled the address and message of the pope, who had addressed the gathering both in Konkani and in Kannada saying, “Blessed are those who believe in the Lord God”.
Interestingly, Pope John Paul II had visited 14 cities of India proclaiming peace in 1986 from February 1 to 10 and Bajpe was one among the 14 places he visited and the people flocked from the nook and corner of neighbouring states. While 42 buses brought people from Tallichery, 25 buses came from Karwar. Besides, two special trains were arranged to help people travel from Bangalore and Kerala.
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St John Paul II statue taken in procession
