Media Release

Mangaluru, Jun 22: The brothers of the department of Theology celebrated the twin feast of their patron, St Aloysius Gonzaga and the birthday of Most Rev. Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangaluru on Friday, 21 June, with great vigour and joy at St Jospeh Seminary.

The feast was all the more special this time around as the birthday celebrant Bishop Emeritus Aloysius was present.

The celebrations began with solemn vespers, led by Michael on Thursday evening and then the solemn Mass celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Aloysius. He delivered a thought provoking homily reflecting on the life of the saint of the day, St Aloysius Gonzaga. This was followed by a cake cutting ceremony by the birthday celebrant and the inauguration of the Wall Board Magazine, ‘Missionary Board’.

Vicar general of Mangaluru Msgr Maxim Noronha added colour and further joy with his presence during the celebrations. The celebrations did not quite end there as the brothers of the department of Theology, under the guidance of Fr Maxim D’Souza, their Human Formation director and Fr Milton Jacob, their moderator, hosted a sumptuous, entertaining and awe-inspiring cultural evening with a variety of stage performances, including a skit, dances, comic act and meaningful short film named ‘Dry- the scarcity of water’.

Fr Jerome, the spiritual director and the chief guest of the evening appreciated the programme put up by the brothers and adjured the gathering to draw inspiration from St Aloysius and serve the society without counting the cost.

Rector Fr Ronald Serrao, appreciated the effort of the brothers and congratulated them.

After the vote of thanks was rendered by Br Mario Fernandes, the programme concluded with night prayers led by Br Vincent Fernandes. In attendance were Bishop Emeritus Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Fr Melvin SJ, superior of Fathima Retreat House, Fr J B Saldanha, parish priest, St Sebastian Church, Permannur, the teaching faculty of the seminary and students.