Media Release

Udupi, May 21: Pangla parishioners felicitated their parish priest Fr Dr Anil Prakash Castelino on his golden jubilee, along with newly appointed Bishop Most Rev Dr Leslie Cliffered D’Souza, on Wednesday, May 3, at the Sabha Bhavan in Shankerpura.

Earlier, Bishop Dr Leslie Cliffered D’Souza and Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo were accorded a warm welcome. Jasmine garlands were presented to Fr Anil Prakash Castelino, John Martis, vice president, pastoral council, Fr Jessyl Cutinho, assistant parish priest, Melwin Anand D’Souza, secretary, pastoral council, and Anitha D’Souza, coordinator, pastoral commissions.

The Holy Eucharistic Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Leslie D’Souza, along with Bishop Gerald Lobo and Fr Anil P Castelino.

Fr Alwyn Sequeira, in his meaningful homily, narrated how God chooses prophets like Jeremiah to continue His mission on earth. Similarly, he said, God chose Bishop Leslie, Bishop Gerald, and Fr Anil Prakash. He noted that God himself chose them to serve His people, and they have fulfilled His mission. "When God chooses, He doesn't choose the mighty and powerful, but the meek and humble. Likewise, He chose these three missionaries from humble backgrounds, and they have fulfilled His promise," he added.

After the mass, a grand celebration was held at the Sabha Bhavan in Shankerpura/Pangla. The felicitation programme began with a prayer song by the parish choir members, followed by a welcome dance by the children of the parish.

Anitha D’Souza, coordinator of pastoral commissions, accorded a hearty welcome to the dignitaries on the dais, namely Bishop Leslie D’Souza, Bishop Gerald Lobo, Fr Anil Prakash Castelino, Fr Charls Menezes, vicar of Shirva deanery, Sr Saritha D’Souza, superior of the convent, John Martis, vice president of the parish council, and Anand Melwin D’Souza, secretary of the parish council.

Fr Anil Prakash D’Souza cut the birthday cake along with his mother, siblings, and their children. The choir members of the parish sang a beautiful birthday song. On this auspicious occasion, Fr Anil Prakash was felicitated. Prior to the felicitation, John Martis highlighted his various services to the parish and the diocese in different capacities, as well as his concern for the downtrodden, the needy, and the poor. Fr Anil was then felicitated with a traditional shawl, fruit basket, peta, flower garland, and a citation.

In his response, Fr Anil thanked the parishioners for celebrating his golden jubilee, although he had preferred a simple celebration. He expressed gratitude to all those involved in organizing the grand event, especially the finance committee. He also thanked Bishop Gerald Lobo for laying a strong foundation for the diocese, which is bearing abundant fruit today. "My heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Gerald Lobo for his dedicated service to our diocese and thank you for joining me in the celebration. There are ups and downs in our lives. I always seek God’s intervention when I face critical situations, and He will always help me overcome any difficulties and problems," he said.

He was also grateful to his siblings for taking care of his dear mother. “Both of my sisters are nurses, and hence they know exactly how to take care of our mother. Also, they take care of my health issues, including my cousin, a doctor by profession who travelled from Bangalore. He has been very helpful during my health issues. Thank you all," he stated. He concluded by saying that his goal is not to feed 5,000 people but to offer five loaves and two fish to Jesus, letting Jesus turn them into a miracle to feed the 5,000.

Addressing the parishioners, Bishop Gerald Lobo congratulated Fr Anil Prakash on his 50th birthday and wished him good health. He highlighted a few qualities of Fr Anil: "He is a man of prayer. He is very systematic and dedicated to the tasks he is given. He is a dedicated priest and a college professor. He loves the poor and downtrodden, which is evident in his actions, especially in building homes for the poor. He admires retired priests, often visiting them, sharing fruits, and spending quality time with them despite his busy schedule. He shows deep concern for the diocese. Whenever the diocese needs financial support, he gets it done through his parish, and especially from the Pangla parish, he has helped a lot, for which I am very grateful to you all." Finally, the bishop commended his meticulousness regarding parish documents, noting that he ensures all property records are maintained and in order, a task he successfully completed for the Pangla parish.

Also, on this auspicious occasion, Bishop Leslie D’Souza was felicitated. Anand Melwin D’Souza highlighted the various achievements of Bishop Leslie during his tenure as the parish priest of Pangla parish, particularly his efforts in maintaining cleanliness around the church compound. He was described as an honest and dedicated priest who served the Pangla parish well.

Bishop Leslie was felicitated by all the dignitaries on the dais with a traditional shawl, flower garland, and a citation.

In his response, Bishop Leslie thanked the Pangla parishioners. He reiterated Bishop Gerald’s statement regarding Fr Anil’s concern for retired priests, recalling a day when he himself watched Fr Anil offering them mangoes from Pangla. Regarding his goal as the new bishop of the Udupi diocese, he expressed his desire to fulfill the dream of the late Bishop Paris, who laid the foundation for the Goretti Hospital, which is still not functioning properly. He requested the Pangla parishioners to help him realize this dream by establishing both a fully pledged hospital and a nursing college. He also urged parents to send their children to the seminary, as there is a shortage of priests.

On this occasion, Sr Ida Barboza was also felicitated for her 50 years of service in the congregation.

All the school heads of St John’s Educational Institutions felicitated Fr Anil Prakash Castelino.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Gabriel Martis, former secretary of the pastoral council. Thereafter, all the parishioners greeted Fr Anil, Bishop Leslie, and Bishop Gerald Lobo.

A sumptuous lunch was served for all gathered. Fr Jessyl Cutinho seamlessly compered the entire programme.