Naravi, Oct 10, 2012: Architect of Naravi, Fr Faustine Corti’s statue was taken out in the procession. Mangalore Diocese Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said that Fr Faustine Corti, the architect of Naravi had worked tirelessly towards the welfare of the people for 21 years and he is a model for others.

Speaking after inaugurating the Founder’s Day celebrations at Naravi church premises on Tuesday, he said one can lead a happy life by service the poor in rural areas.
MLA Vasanth Bangera, Rev Fr Eugine  Lobo S.J. also spoke on the occation. vicar vara Fr James D’Souza, nearly 28 priest were present Naravi Gram Panchayat President Ravindra Poojary flagged off the procession. After the procession solemn mass was there. Sumptuous meal was served to the people.The statue of Fr Corti was taken out in a procession from Naravi bus shelter to the church premises. Earlier, the Bishop concelebrated the mass.

A native of Switzerland, Fr Faustine Corti (born on November 5, 1856), arrived at Mangalore in 1884. Besides spending several years in Mangalore, he served the Naravi region for about 21 years when people fondly called him ‘Living God’.

Though he lived in Naravi, he served the people of the surrounding regions like Moodbidri, Peradi, Shirthady, Alangar, Arva, Badyar, Venor, Madanthyar, Ujire and Nellikar among other places. Parish Priest Rev Fr Louis Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest Fr Arun Lobo organized the programme with the help of parishioners.