Report by Viju Mangalore - Pics by Dayanand Kukkaje and Viju

Mangalore, May 15: (Monday, 8-10 pm IST): The decennial celebration of the Episcopal ordination of Fr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, was held here on Monday evening. The celebration began with a thanksgiving Mass at the Rosario Cathedral at 4.40 pm wherein Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore Fr Alphonsus Mathias delivered the homily.

Retired Bishop of Jamshedpur Fr Joe Rodrigues and Bishop of Jabalpur Fr Gerald D’Almeida were concelebrants.

Later after the ceremony, Bishop Aloysius said that his 10 years of service had been successful because of the wholehearted support extended by the clergy and the laity. While the stress was laid on the Small Christian Community, its fruits were seen in the parishes.

He called upon the people to unite in building a healthy Church in fulfilment of Jesus’ mission on earth. He also thanked all who offered him a helping hand in his mission.

On the occasion the new project was envisaged to mark the decennial celebration  and it was announced by Fr Onil D’Souza of CODP. The project includes a relief fund to help sick people financially.

Vicar general Msgr Fred V Periera, secretary of council of priests Fr Patrick Rodrigues, chancellor Fr Denis M Prabhu and secretary of Diocesan Pastoral Council Rosy Pinto were present.

Among the dignitaries who gathered to wish the Bishop were university vice chancellor K M Kaveriappa and registrar Sunder Naik.