Mangaluru, Apr 19: Newly-built retreat centre ‘Divine Prayer Centre’ was inaugurated at Thokkottu here on Sunday April 19.

Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop of Beltangady offered the very first mass at the retreat centre and also blessed the premises.

During the stage programme Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo said, “This retreat centre has to be used for spiritual cause, and not for any other reason. Retreats provide peace to your mind. These kind of retreat centres are required in Dakshina Kannada.”

Health minister U T Khadar inaugurated the concrete road to the Divine Prayer Centre. The road was constructed with Khadar’s assistance. In his address, he hoped that the centre would help in building a healthy society and be beneficial for devotees.

Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy in his presidential address said, “People should make use of this retreat centre to find inner peace and contentment. Divine Prayer Centre is built not to make money from the public. It is purely for the betterment of the public.”

Fr Denis Moras Prabhu inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the lamp. Divine Prayer Centre director Fr Joseph Vaniyanthara welcomed the guests and at the end also proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Franklin Philip D’Souza, well-known Catholic preacher compered the ceremony.

Rohan Monteiro, managing director of Rohan Corporation was felicitated on this occasion.

Provincial councellor Paul Parakabel and others were present. The Divine Retreat Centre is run by a group of priests hailing from Potta near Kochi.

Courtesy: Daijiworld