Pics:- Vivian Rodrigues
With inputs from Media Release
Udupi, May 18: St Vincent De Paul Church marked a historic milestone with the grand celebration of the silver jubilee commemorating 25 years of faithful pastoral service by the Congregation of Holy Cross on Sunday.
The celebrations began with a solemn Holy Mass led by the Bishop Emeritus Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo as the chief celebrant. Later, the formal programme commenced with the release of balloons into the air, symbolising joy and thanksgiving.
In his address, Bishop Emeritus Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, “I congratulate the Holy Cross Congregation along with the new bishop and the entire Udupi diocese. I pray to God to bless the congregation with more growth and service. I thank the Provincial who has given the best priests for this parish. I also thank all the previous priests who served in this parish; they have helped people come closer to God and Jesus. They have shared in the joys and sorrows of families. I thank all the people who have accepted these priests as their own with love and support. With this support, this church has been growing and developing. This congregation has supported the diocese in times of need. We do not see them as different congregations; we are one, and they are involved in diocesan activities like our own. I hope this love between us grows and we develop this diocese more and more.”
Fr Stephen D'Souza, chancellor, Udupi diocese said, “On behalf of the Bishop Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza and myself, I congratulate you on this milestone. I thank you for felicitating me here. The Holy Cross Congregation has completed 25 years of service to St Vincent De Paul Church, and I congratulate them. I feel these 25 years will soon become 50 years as they continue their service here. One reason is that priests in the diocese are limited, so this church will continue to witness the service of the Holy Cross Congregation. Another reason is that the people of this parish do not want these priests to go far from them. From the diocese of Udupi to the South India province and all priests who served before and now, I wish them great success.”
Fr Denis D'Sa, vicar var, Udupi diocese said, “Today we are celebrating three occasions - the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, the 25 years of Holy Cross Congregation service in this parish, and the 60th World Communications Day with the theme ‘Share with gentleness with the hope in your hearts'. Technology cannot replace humanity. I appreciate the involvement of the parish people in this event; it shows the vibrant love for the church and priests. Many from this parish have become priests, which shows the call of God to service.”
Fr Lawrence D’Almeida CSC, provincial superior of South India Province said, “The Holy Cross Congregation in St Vincent De Paul Church has served for 25 years with faith and spirit of unity. I thank God for this blessing and service. I also thank Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza and Bishop Emeritus Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo for their support and love towards our congregation. From the last 25 years, this parish has seen growth and development. People’s involvement in daily Mass, sacraments, ward meetings, catechism classes, and family visits has strengthened the bond between priests and people. From this parish, we have received four new priests. I thank all parish members and pray to God to fill your families with love and growth.”
The programme included felicitation of all priests of the Holy Cross Congregation and clergy of the Udupi diocese.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop emeritus of Udupi diocese; Fr Stephen D'Souza, chancellor, Udupi diocese; Fr Lawrence D’Almeida, CSC, provincial superior of South India province; Fr Gaspar Selvaraj, CSC, provincial superior of Tamil Nadu province; Br PJ Santosh, CSC, provincial superior of St Andre province; Fr Denis D'sa, vicar var of Udupi deanery, Fr Charles Menezes dean of Shirva deanery. Former parish priest Fr Norbert, Fr Ronald, Fr Lawrence, Fr Ronson; Fr Aloysius Gonsalves, assistant parish priest; Hector fernandes, vice president, PPC; Theresa Lobo, secretary, PPC; Diana Monteiro, coordinator, pastoral commissions and other priests, nuns, parish members were present on the occasion.
The event began with a welcome address by Fr Rajesh Passana, parish priest. The vote of thanks was proposed by Hector Fernandes, vice president of the PPC. Fr Charles Menezes blessed the fellowship meal. Cynthia D’Souza and Janet D’Souza compered the programme.