Pics: Madhav Pai

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, May 2: Sacerdotal Ruby Jubilee of Fr Francis Cornelio, Parish Priest St Anne's Church Thottam was celebrated with grandeur by the Parish pastoral committee and Parishioners on Sunday, May 1, 2022, here in Thottam.

Fr Francis Cornelio offered Thanksgiving Eucharistic mass along with his fellow priests from Udupi and Mangaluru diocese. In his homily Fr Harold Periera said, "We should be followers of Jesus, we need to be witness of Jesus through our deeds. Fr Stan Swamy lived in this way. He did not die, he was killed. He fought for Jal-Jangal-Jameen of tribal community. Fr Francis Cornelio is celebrating his ruby jubilee. Let us all join together and pray to almighty to give him more strength to spread the Word of God."

Seven other priests of Udupi and Mangaluru diocese celebrating their Ruby Jubilee of priestly ordination were also felicitated by Fr Francis Cornelio on the occasion.

A formal felicitation program was organised by Parish pastoral committee, Jubilee Committee and parishioners. Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop Diocese of Udupi presided over the felicitation programme.

Fr Francis Cornelio, Parish Priest Thottam was given a grand felicitation by the parishioners, Ward gurkars, Udupi diocese, Prison Ministry of India, SAKATH Dubai and other associations.

A presentation was presented by Leslie Aroza which unfolded the life events of Fr Francis Cornelio along with his achievements and works undertook by him during his earlier assignments in parishes such as Udupi, Permannur, Naravai, Tallur, Attur, Byndoor, Kalathur and currently in Thottam.

Fr Victor D'Souza, Parish priest Kemmannu on the occasion said, "I am happy that a treasure of Kemmannu parish is shining in the diocese through his service. Fr Francis Cornelio was a very helpful person from his days in seminary also. He is a talented musician. He wrote first hymn when he was in his second year of studies in seminary. From there after he has written, composed many hymns and we are singing these hymns during the Eucharistic celebration for a long while now."

Ronald Nazareth Byndoor, in his congratulating note on the occasion said, "Fr Francis Cornelio served in/Byndoor parish for seven years. He gave importance for the spiritual development. With the help of Byndoor Catholic Association Dubai and other parishioners he initiated a education fund of Rs 25 lakhs. He was instrumental in giving training for the choir group. Fr Francis Cornelio arranged for the CODP funds for the poor students education and also water harvesting project was also implemented. Fr Francis Cornelio is regarded as 'Amcho Padrayab' by Byndurites."

Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, director Shanthi Kiran Bajjodi Mangaluru, shared about the days he spent with Fr Francis Cornelio as deacon in Naravi church and as assistant parish priest in Attur church. Fr Valerian Mendonca, rector Milagres Cathedral also graced the occasion.

On receiving the felicitation Fr Francis Cornelio said, "This programme is inspiring me to praise Lord till my end. I am a simple human being, Lord chose me to serve and He has stood me in my life journey. Its a reason to celebrate to thank God. I remember my father and mother and my sister on this occasion. My family is the where I learnt the spiritual things. The ten years training in seminary also shaped me. I thank all my parishioners for supporting me during my tenure herein Thottam. What I have done is to Lord Almighty."

In his presidential address Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop diocese of Udupi said, "I congratulate Fr Francis Cornelio on this occasion. He has led his 40 years of priesthood life faithfully. He is a very humble and down to earth person. He always obeyed the elders. Fr Francis Cornelio always helped those in need. He was the only priest I saw in my 22 years of service as Bishop who asked for a leave for spending time in prayers. He took care of spiritual needs of people very keenly."

Leslie Aroza, director family commission was felicitated for his selfless service to the parish. A wishing song composed by renowned Konkani musician Melwin Peris dedicated to Fr Francis Cornelio was sung by choir members.

Sunil Fernandes, Vice president parish pastoral committee welcomed the gathering. Cypriyan Rodrigues, secretary, Parish pastoral committee read out the felicitation note. Shanthi Feranndes, convener 20 commissions proposed the vote of thanks.

Sr Precilla, Superior St Ann Convent, parishioners well wishers were present on the occasion.