Report and pics by Fr Alwyn Sequeira OCD (GA)

Mangalore, Feb 9: Silver bells tolled through the campus of prestigious St Joseph's Seminary on Thursday February 8 as 18 priests ordained in the year 1982 celebrated their Silver Jubilee.  Out of the 18 jubilarians, 11 belong to Mangalore diocese.

More than 500 priests and devotees witnessed this grand celebration.  Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza offered the solemn Eucharistic celebration and several other priests concelebrated.  Fr William Barboza, professor of Scripture preached sermon.

Later a short felicitation programme was held to wish the jubilarians.  Fr Roque D'Souza welcomed the gathering while Fr Victor Machado, rector, greeted the jubilarians.  The 11 priest belonging to Mangalore diocese who celebrated their silver jubilee were greeted by Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza for their yeoman's service to the diocese.

The 11 priests of Mangalore diocese who celebrated silver jubilee were Fr Alfred Pinto, parish priest of Kumbla, Fr Antony Serrao, parish priest of Bondel, Fr Henry Sequeira, professor of Canon Law and Judicial Vicar, Fr Lawrence D'Souza, principal of Milagres College, Fr Charles Noronha, parish priest of Kirem, Fr Francis D'Souza, secretary for Proclamation and Evangelization Commission, Fr J B Crasta, manager and director of St Joseph's Workshop Jeppu, Fr Francis Cornelio, parish priest of Byndoor, Fr Thomas D'Souza, parish priest of Permannur, Fr Gerald Pinto, parish priest of Kulur and Fr William Martis, parish priest of Bolkunje.

On behalf of jubilarians Fr Lawrence D'Souza thanked the gathering for their presence and prayers.