Bangalore Archdiocese

By Fr. Venus Praveen

Sagar, April 12 : "We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song" said Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Venus Colaco while celebrating the Easter Sunday Mass at the newly built chapel at Analekoppa on April 1, 2018. Rev. Fr. Sudeep and Rev. Fr. Sudeep were present.

The foundation stone for St. Teresa of Calcutta Church at Analekoppa was laid on 3rd November 2017 by His Excellence Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga.

In the first phase, a chapel was constructed at Analekoppa, for Sunday services. Sunday Masses commenced at this chapel from 01 April 2018. This is first phase of the larger project consisting of construction of the Church, grotto, presbytery and community Hall at Analekoppa.

Shramadhaan by Parishioners at Analekoppa Substation

Inspired by Mother Teresa's words, "The hands that help are holier than the lips that pray", the parishioners of Sagar contributed their labour of love to build abeautiful edifice for God at Analekoppa.

Earlier, Bishop of Shimoga, His Excellence Most Rev. Francis Serrao SJ had given a clarion call to the Parishioners to involve themselves totally in the noble task of building a beautiful dwelling for God at Analekoppa.

Analekoppa, a distant substation of Sagar Parish, is home to 200 Catholic families, most of whom are daily wage labourers. Although they are poor, they contribute their mite through their shramadhaan or voluntary labour.

Every Sunday, people gathered to level the ground, fill the foundation with soil, shift the materials, and clear up the debris. The youth came daily for curing of the building. There was so much joy in this labour of love which fostered unity and fellowship in the Parish.

The proposed Church is dedicated to Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who is also known as the saint of the gutters.