Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 23: Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, celebrated his diamond birthday by celebrating Mass in the morning. Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, Fr Clifford Pinto, principal Holy Redeemer English Medium School, Beltangady, Fr Lancy D’Souza assistant parish priest concelebrated the Mass.
A short felicitation programme was organized after the Mass.
Fr Andrew celebrated the evening Mass. Fr Ravi MSIJ concelebrated the Mass.
Fr Peter Gonsalves, Fr Lancy D’Souza, John D’Silva, vice president PPC, Santhosh Misquith secretary felicitated Fr Andrew with a shawl, flowers & memento on the occasion of a diamond birthday.
The Morning Star group under the leadership of Sr Celestine sang a beautiful song for Fr Andrew about his life and his priestly mission.
Fr Andrew expressed his sentiments of gratitude to all those who helped to make the diamond birthday celebrations a memorable one. He thankfully remembered all the formatters, priests, family members and companions and all the people where he served during his priestly ministry. Further, he said, “I always believed in Mother Mary and St Padre Pio." All his success in life was due to his strong belief in Mother Mary and Padre Pio and he said that he would continue to trust both of them.
"Seeing all of you gathered here, there are so many different memories from different parts of my life all through the years, and is that not the gift that God creates for each of us to be connected to one another on this journey of life,” he said.
Fr Peter Gonsalves, addressing the gathering said, "Throughout his 32 years of priesthood life, Fr Andrew has dedicated his life to others. Fr Andrew has gone beyond his limits in doing great things for the Catholic community and the faithful."
The parish pastoral council members, ward gurkars, conveners of all Ayog, members of ICYM & YCS members' relatives, friends, former parishioners, sisters of all communities were present.
The parishioners gathered in to wish their dear parish priest. Manohar Concessao compered the programme.