Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EC)
Udupi, Jul 10: Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of diocese of Mangaluru partook as the chief celebrant in the holy Eucharistic mass conducted on the occasion of the titular feast of Milagres Cathedral at Kallianpur. He was later felicitated and honoured on the completion of his 50 years of priesthood, 20 years as the bishop of Mangaluru diocese and his 75th birthday.
Bishop Dr Aloysius was the main celebrant in the mass accompanied by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of diocese of Udupi and around 40 priests of the diocese.
In his homily, bishop Aloysius said, "Mother Mary led a simple life to become a role model to us. I would like to describe her life in three different ways. First, she was a dedicated wife. She was faithful to her husband in good and bad times. When the relation between the spouses is at its best, there is happiness, peace and unity in the family. Disputes over silly matters have led to fissures in families these days. Mother Mary should be seen as a role model and both husband and wife have a responsibility to lead a life of love and peace and raise their family together.
"Secondly, Mother Mary represented motherhood as a role model to the entire mankind. She was a loving, caring and dedicated mother. She loves us all as her own children. When mothers correct their children, the children tend to become better citizens. Mother Mary led her life similarly.
"And thirdly, she was a neighbour who could be looked up to. She saw people as her own kin and served them several times. When we look at the sufferings and pain of our neighbors, Mother Mary becomes an inspiration to us during the Year of Mercy. Every religion says 'love thy neighbour as you love thee'. Let us thank God on this occasion for blessing us with Mother Mary as our universal mother. Let us thank her for being our role model and blessing us with all the favours," the bishop said.
Thereafter, the felicitation ceremony was held at Milagres Tri-Centenary Hall.
On being felicitated, bishop Aloysius said, "I was the bishop of the undivided South Kanara diocese for 16 years and I am very well versed with the people of every parish here. I have received lots of love and respect whenever I have made pastoral visits here. When I could not reach every aspect, I appointed episcopal vicars. I even worked for a separate diocese when I saw talents were in abundance here. I am satisfied with my services in Udupi district. Miracles are happening in numerous ways. Your bishop is guiding you in the right path. I request you to pray that many amongst us get chosen to work for God. Let our youth be inspired to take up civil services too. Let us all take steps to make our diocese shine in the entire world.
"I thank the bishop, priests, the religious and the entire laity of Udupi diocese for felicitating me," he added.
Bishop Dr Gerald in his presidential speech said, "Being a bishop is not easy. The work is hard and though we are amongst all, we still are isolated from all. It can be evaluated that a bishop can never have free time, never has freedom and he never can have friends. Priests are those who have to just follow in the path of Jesus. But bishops are those who have to carry the Cross of Jesus throughout their lives, and if required, sacrifice themselves on it.
"I have closely watched the work of bishop Dr Aloysius. He is a man of prayer, a bishop for the poor. He has always made provision so that he could say his prayers. He also has a soft corner for the poor and has tried his best to help and support them. He is also known as a leader who started many engineering colleges, medical colleges and more. He wants youth from our community to get seats and be well-educated. I wish him many more years of fruitful service," he said.
Fr Lawrence D'Souza, secretary of Catholic Education Society, Udupi diocese, read the felicitation letter. Msgr Baptist Menezes welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. Fr Stany Lobo, rector, Milagres Cathedral was present on the dais.
Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO, diocese of Udupi, compered the sessions and Alphonse D'Costa, secretary, diocesan pastoral council proposed the vote of thanks.