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Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (PMD)

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Bantwal, Dec 4: "Such a wondrous celebration is the first in my life. This honour is merely the grace of God. I am thankful to everyone who has helped make this day memorable," said the bishop of Mangaluru, Dr Aloysious Paul D'Souza.

The bishop spoke at the celebration of his sacerdotal golden jubilee on Agrar Church premises on Sunday, December 4.

"Agrar church has been a long-standing one and has served people both spiritually and beyond. This church has been forged four bishops, which is a record. Service to humankind requires the blessings of the Almighty and support of people. This honour goes to the people of the diocese. For peaceful co-existence, there needs to be harmony in the society. " the bishop said, thus vouching for peace between various religions to attain peaceful coexistence.

Rajya Sabha member, Oscar Fernandes, gave due credit to Agrar church for being the pivot of the most Bishops, priests and nuns, coming into being.

District in-charge minister, B Ramanath Rai, lauded the bishop's foresight and helping nature for being instrumental in developing the educational sector in the diocese. He also said, the bishop has been an example to the love of Christ, which wins the world.

Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi congratulated the bishop, and said, "A priest is a man of God. The bishop, as a priest, has done his service on a much greater scale. Consequently, the diocese of Mangaluru is a model to 167 dioceses in the country."

Dr Henry D'Souza, Bishop of Bellary, State Food and Civil Supplies minister UT Khader, chief whip of Karnataka Legislative Council, Ivan D'Souza,MLA of Mangalore South constituency, J R Lobo, the president of the Karnataka Cashew Development corporation B H Khader, the president of the Minority Corporation M A Gaffoor, Bantwal municipality president, Ramakrishna Alva, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelinho, provincial superior of SRA Mangalore Province, Sr Zeena D'Souza, Vicar of Bantwal deanery Maxim Noronha, parish priest of Agrar church, Gregory D'Souza were present at the occasion.

Chief convenor of the golden jubilee celebration committee, Pius Rodrigues, welcomed the gathering. Maxim L Rodrigues delivered the keynote address. Ramachandra Rao and Zita Dias compered the programme. Secretary of the golden jubilee celebration committee, Victor Menezes, thanked the gathering.

Prior the programme, hundreds of priests, led by the bishop D'Souza and three other bishops along with tens of thousands of believers joined in a solemn Eucharistic celebration.

The Golden jubilee of Bishop’s priestly ordination at Cathedral

Earlier, the Golden Jubilee of priestly ordination Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza was held on December 3 at Rosary Cathedral in Mangaluru. Fr Pius D Souza, the Episcopal Vicar for religious preached the Homily. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo the Bishop of Udupi, Msgr Lesley Shenoy, Vicar General Msgr Denis Moras, Rector of the Seminary and Diocesan Chancellor were present for the meeting.

A large number of priests concelebrated the Mass. After the Mass, a short felicitation was arranged to greet the Bishop. Msgr Denis Moras read the citation. On behalf of the laity M P Noronha the secretary to the Diocesan Pastoral Parished greeted the Bishop. Fr Melwyn Paul D Souza Capuchin the president of the CRI, greeted the Bishop.

Fr Vijay Machado compered the programme. The Bishop thanked all the lay faithful for their support and cooperation. Fr J B Crasta organized the whole ceremony. All the faithful greeted the Bishop after the Mass.