Media Release

Chitradurga, Jun 17: Fr Ronald D'Cunha took charge as parish priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur, Chitradurga district, Diocese of Shimoga on June 16. 

The faithful received Fr Ronald D'Cunha at the gate. Outgoing parish priest Fr Franklin D'Souza welcomed him with a garland.

The oath taking ceremony took place in the presence of bishop's representative Fr Richard Anil D'Souza, dean of Holy Family Deanery. Outgoing parish priest Fr Franklin D'Souza presented stole and Bible as per the ritual of handing over ceremony to Fr Ronald D'Cunha. Then he read the Word of God from John 10:11-18. He took oath together with the profession of faith. Then the tabernacle key was handed over to him. Fr Franklin D'Souza also handed over books of accounts as well as the record book of parish members.

Fr Eugene Lobo SJ, Fr Roshan Pinto, Fr Venil D’Silva, Fr Clarence Dias, Fr George K A, Fr Alvin Stanislaus and Fr Paul Crasta were present for the handing over ceremony.

Fr Ronald D'Cunha celebrated Holy Eucharist in the evening. Fr Alvin Stanislaus preached the homily. At the end of the Mass, Fr Franklin D'Souza led special prayers for the fathers because this day was celebrated as Father's day.

At the end of the Holy Eucharist, outgoing parish priest Fr Franklin D'Souza introduced Fr Ronald D'Cunha and Fr George K A, rector of Our Lady of Health Minor Basilica and Fr Alvin Stanislaus, manager and corresspondent of Lourdes Boys School, Davanagere felicitated him on behalf of the parishioners.

Fr George K A spoke felicitatory words for Fr Ronald D'Cunha.

As Fr Franklin D’Souza took charge of Diocesan Youth, Vocation and Formation Commission, parish priest Fr Ronald D'Cunha congratulated and honoured him with a shawl and garland.