from Jessie Rodrigues
for Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SM)
Bangalore, Dec 7: A thanksgiving service on the 40th Priestly ordination anniversary of Archbishop Bernard Moras, president, Karnataka Catholic Bishop’s Council was offered with great devotion at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Cleveland Town, here on Thursday December 6.
Archbishop Bernard Moras celebrated the Eucharistic solemn mass. Bishop Derek Fernandes of Karwar, Bishop Peter Machado of Belgaum and Bishop Anthony Swamy of Chickmagalur were the concelebrants.
Bishop Derek Fernandes in his homily stated “Archbishop Moras is a man of Get It; one is really blessed to have such a man of faith to lead this Diocese. He is so much focused in his duties; he does not rest till it is achieved”.
This was followed by felicitation at the Cathedral. Fr Joseph Abraham in his felicitation mentioned that Archbishop Moras is a man of prayer, always thinks of the developments he can do in the Diocese, working hard and pursuing. He has a very kind heart towards the uplifting of the downtrodden.
Around 200 priests participated in the service. It was inspirational to see a great number of people gathered to participate in the celebration.
On this occasion, Infant Jesus calendar was released by the Archbishop.
Archbishop was ordained as a priest on December 6, 1967 by the late Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Bishop Basil D’Souza.
He has worked for 29 years in the health field, as director of Fr Muller Charitable Institution, Mangalore and administrator of St John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore.
As a bishop of Belgaum diocese, he rendered yeomen’s service for seven and half years in the field of education, social service and pastoral care.
In the year 2004 Bishop Bernard Moras was elevated as the Archbishop of Bangalore Archdiocese and during the last three years he has been working tirelessly for the development of the Archdiocese.
After the service, a get-together was organized at St Germains auditorium. As a part of the felicitation, NBCLC, who are well-known in cultural programmes under the able guidance of Fr Thomas D’Sa, director of the centre, organized dance programmes. Bangalore Diocese website called ‘Bangalore Multiple Social Service Society’ was inaugurated by the archbishop.
Seriac Joseph, chief justice of Karnataka, Stephen Graf, consulate general of German Consulate, Robin D’Souza, principal secretary of Karnataka, J Alexander, former chief secretary of Karnataka graced the occasion by their presence.
Mgr Selva Inasi, director of Pontifical Mission Society of India, Mgr Joe Francis, Msgr, Amritraj, Fr Francis, finance officer of the Archdiocese, Fr Louis Vedakumar, secretary, Fr Michael, chancellor of the Diocese were among others who were actively involved.
Programme concluded with vote of thanks by Fr Michael.