Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 28: On Saturday, April 27 2019 at Derebail Church ground Fr Austin Peter Peres, parish priest of the Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail, Fr Gratian Alvares, residential priest, Parish Pastoral Council along with Derebail parishioners welcomed Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru diocese, Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, former bishop of Mangaluru diocese and Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shimoga Diocese for the Quintuple jubilee celebrations of Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail.
The Holy Eucharist celebration began at 5:00 pm. Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was the main celebrant. Altogether three bishops and 14 priests celebrated the Holy Eucharist. Bishop Dr Francis Serrao in his homily highlighted the significance and elaborated on the celebrations of the day. He also defined the role of a priest and spoke on the mission that priest are bound to carry out. He added and explained the four blessed looks and concluded with poem on 'Beautiful hands of a Priest'. Later in the prayers of the faithful special intentions like prayer for the clergy, prayer for peace in our country and for those who died in the recent bomb blast in Sir Lanka were offered. Many offerings were brought by the parishioners. The Eucharistic Celebration was solemnized by a choir of about 100 parishioners.
Soon after the Holy Eucharist, refreshments were served to those who were present. Later the stage programme began by escorting all the guest from the ground entrance with the live band. As soon as the guests reached the dais, parishioners who were present for the programme lit candles and spent some time in remembering our brothers and sisters who perished in the bomb explosion in Sir Lanka. The prayer was led by Fr Austin Peres and a two minutes of silence was observed.
Later Edward Coelho, vice president of Parish Pastoral Council, welcomed each and every one gathered for the celebration. At first Fr Austin Peter Peres was felicitated for completing his 25 years as a priest. Secondly Fr Gratian Alvares was felicitated for completing his 10 years as a priest. Thirdly Victor Correa was felicitated for serving 25 years as the Editor of 'Derebailche Phul'.
Dr Francis Serrao addressed the gathering and congratulated Fr Austin, Fr Gratian and Victor Correa. Bishop emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza also addressed the gathering. Later Rev Fr Gratian while addressing the gathering thanked the almighty for His choicest blessings upon him. He also thanked the Bishop for supporting him in his mission as a priest. He also said in his three years of service Fr Austin came across to him as a friend and a guide. He concluded by requesting the parishioners to always keep him in their daily prayers. Victor Correa, editor of ‘Derebailche Phul’ shared his 25 years of experience as an editor. He thanked all those who supported him throughout his journey as an editor.
Bishop Dr Peter Saldanha distributed the prizes for the winners in the writing Competition. Felicitation song composed by Alwyn Dcunha was beautifully sung by the Quintuple Jubilee Choir members. Fr Austin later in his speech remembered his parents and thanked them. He also thanked the Bishop and all the priests who came in his priestly life. Further thanked all the Derebail parishioners for supporting him and requested to keep him in their prayers. Bishop Dr Peter Paul in his speech said that Derebail parishioners are always ahead in activities and congratulated Fr Austin, Fr Gratian and Victor Correa.
Lizzie Fernandes, secretary of Parish Pastoral Council delivered the vote of thanks. The entire programme was compered by Sheldon Crasta and Avinash Daniel Dsouza. The programme concluded with a fellowship meal and baila.