Pics: Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (EC)
Udupi, May 3: The faithful of Our Lady of Fathima Church, Perampally witnessed the first ordination of the parish. Dr Gerald Lobo, Bishop, diocese of Udupi, ordained Fr Brian Anthony D’souza on May 2, at the church ground.
Fr Brian also became the first parishioner of Perampally to be ordained as a Capuchin priest.
“A priest is chosen amongst people for people and for God. He is the one who offers the offertory and prayers of people to God and in return asks God’s blessings on them. Firstly, a priest should spread the word of the God among the mankind. He must teach the word from the bottom of his heart, which will serve as food and water for the people’s growing spirituality. Secondly, he must build up a strong Christian community. By understanding the talents of the people given to them by the Holy Spirit, a priest is able to build up a strong Christian community. Every parish should be a centre of providing continuous education to the people. Thirdly he should be a man of prayer. To work in the ways of Christ, he must pray to God invoking on him courage and patience to carry on his mission. People want a priest who is God fearing and God loving. All the three missions were also the primary mission of Jesus on Earth,” Dr Gerald Lobo said in his homily.
Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais the provincial of Karnataka province of Capuchins, Fr Romeo Lewis, parish priest and around 51 priests were the concelebrants of the Holy Eucharistic celebration.
At the end of the Mass, Bishop congratulated Brian saying, “Fr Brain has willingly come forward to be a priest. Jesus has chosen him to love and serve the mankind. At this juncture let us pray for him. I also would like to thank his parents for their constant support. May God bless us.”
Fr Vijesh compered the liturgical celebrations.
Fr Brian D’souza presided over the programme with Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais, Fr Salvador Fernandes, Theological Rector, Bengaluru, Fr Stany Tauro, Dean, Shirva Deanery, Fr Romeo Lewis, Denis Furtado, Vice President, Our Lady of Fathima Church, Benedict and Faustine D’souza, Parents of Fr Brian were present on the dais.
Fr Roshan Rosario, principal, St Anthony's PU College, Bengaluru, raised the toast on behalf of the gathered. He said, “Today you have accepted the priesthood and you will be called as ‘Father’ from this very moment. Remember a role and responsibility of a father to his children. Remember how he cares them. From now on when you bless anyone, do not forget it is God who is blessing through you. Last but not the least, live the life led by our patron, St Francis of Assisi. Live and lead a simple life.”
Fr Stany Tauro and Fr Romeo Lewis also congratulated Fr Brain at this occasion.
Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais read the congratulatory letter from the Most Holy Father Francis, Pope and handed it over to Fr Brian.
Fr Brian thanked all those who constantly supported him and were responsible for his attainment of priesthood.
Fr Chetan, editor, Uzwaad fortnightly compered the stage programme. Faustine D’souza, Fr Brian’s mother welcomed the gathering.