Service as a Divine Art: Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha Inaugurates 473rd IOCL Retail Outlet in Bajpe
Mangaluru: In a significant development for the residents of Bajpe and surrounding areas, the Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, officially blessed and inaugurated the 473rd retail outlet of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The new fuel station operates under the banner of ‘Kala Aradhana Enterprises’.
The spiritual proceedings were led by the Bishop, who conducted a solemn prayer service. The students of Kripa Sadhana formation house enriched the atmosphere with devotional hymns. During the invocation, the Bishop sprinkled holy water, blessing the fuel station’s machinery, infrastructure, and all those who will serve and visit the premises.
‘Work is Worship’: In his keynote address, Bishop Saldanha explored the profound connection between labour and spirituality, drawing inspiration from the name of the enterprise. “Kala Aradhana signifies the art of worship. In the Christian and human tradition, service itself is an art—ಸೇವೆ ಮಾಡುವುದು ಕೂಡ ಕಲೆ (Seve maduvudu kooda kale). When we serve our neighbours with honesty and dedication, our daily work is transformed into ‘Aradhana’ (worship). Work is indeed worship,” the Bishop remarked. He encouraged the staff to view their roles as a sacred duty to the community.
IOCL’s Commitment to Bajpe: Representing the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Mr. Yogesh Patidar reaffirmed the company’s dedication to providing high-quality fuel and efficient service to the region. “We are pleased to offer our services through this 473rd retail outlet. It has been strategically established to cater specifically to the needs of Bajpe residents and the large volume of commuting public in this corridor,” Mr. Patidar stated.
Honours and Acknowledgements: During the event, the Bishop honoured the IOCL authorities, as well as the donors and financial sponsors whose contributions were vital to the project’s completion.
Rev. Fr Maxim Rosario, Trustee of Kala Aradhana and Estate Manager of the Diocese, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed deep gratitude to the various government departments, local authorities, and the officials of the Mangalore City Corporation for their seamless cooperation during the project’s execution. He also extended special thanks to Rev. Fr Kevin D’Souza, Director of Kripa Sadhana and the Working Manager of the fuel station, for his tireless supervision of the facility.
Dignitaries in Attendance: The inaugural event was graced by several prominent figures, including:
● Diocesan Leadership: Very Rev. Dr Victor George D’Souza (Chancellor), Very Rev. Rudolf Ravi D’Sa (Vicar Vara), and Very Rev. Fr Andrew D’Souza (Parish Priest, Bajpe Church).
● Trustees of Kala Aradhana Enterprises: Rev. Fr Maxim Rosario, Rev. Dr Praveen Leo Lasrado, and Rev. Fr Trishan D’Souza (Rome).
The programme was professionally compered by Ms Venisha Saldanha, the accountant of the fuel station. A large gathering of priests, religious sisters, local well-wishers, and Bajpe residents attended the ceremony, welcoming the new facility as a landmark of service in their locality.