Daijiworld News Network- Udupi/Brahmavar (GA)
Pictures: Austin J Crasta

                                                 
Udupi, May 15 [05.00pm, IST]: The Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, celebrated the golden jubilee year of the arrival of the first Capuchine priests to the parish while six Capuchin brothers belonging to Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka made their final profession in the church on Monday May 15 here. 

The newly-built arch in front of the church was inaugurated by Fr Jossy Fernandes, provincial of Holy Trinity province. It was followed by Eucharistic celebration, in which more than 20 Capuchin and diocesan priests took part. Fr Jossy Fernandes celebrated the mass. There was a melodious choir under the baton of Fr George Monis.

The six Capuchin brothers who made their commitment were Br Verus Concessao (Bondel), Br Henry D'Souza (Arehally near Belur), Br John Peter (Naganhally in Mysore), Br Arun Kumar (Naganhally in Mysore), Br Anil D'Costa (Neermarga) and Br Sathish Fernandes (Buskal in Chikmagalur).

Thousands of people participated in the celebration. The mass was followed by a felicitation ceremony for the brothers. Parents and relatives of the brothers witnessed the event. Capuchin brothers and friars from all over participated. 

Steven Lewis compered the programme and Br Robin Victor introduced the professed brothers. Vinny D'Silva welcomed the gathering and parish priest Fr Denis Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks.

It was in April 1956 that Fr Alfred Roche had come to Brahmavar as the first Capuchin priest.