On 13th May 2026, the Parishioners of Utorda, celebrated a milestone. It was the 50th year, a golden jubilee of the elevation of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel to a Church.
A bit of Background as to how the original chapel came into existence. There Existed a Holy Cross in Gabriel Cruz ward on the eastern side. The 9 families residing in the ward would celebrate the Feast after the “Fama” and the novenas. As the devotion continued with deep sincerity, the people felt that a small chapel had to be built. On 31st August 1880, under the chairmanship of Mr. Aleixo Piedade Pereira, it was decided to build a small chapel. Later on as the faithful grew in number, some villagers felt the need to asking the Archbishop to elevate the chapel into a church. Eventually by a decree dated 11th February 1976, by the than Archbishop Most Rev. Raul Gonsalves, the Chapel was formally elevated to the statue of a church.
This year on 13th May, we celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the elevation of the chapel into a church. The main celebrant was His grace Most. Rev. Simiao Purificacao Fernandes. The Parish Priest Fr. Arvino Fernandes together with the Parishioners had meticulously planned the event. In the evening there was a procession with statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in the parish. There after a week long programme was organized in the parish to mark the jubilee event.
May God, through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes Bless us.