Rome: Karnataka Capuchins Get a ‘Doctor’ and a ‘Master’
Report by Fr Chetan Lobo
Pics by Fr Qaisar Feroz
For Daijiworld Media Network – Rome (GA)
Rome, Jun 25: It is celebration time for Capuchins of the Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka as two of their friars have made the Congregation proud by defending their thesis to earn a ‘Doctorate’ and a ‘Master’s’ degree recently here.
Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais of the Holy Trinity Capuchin Province, Karnataka earned Doctorate in Franciscan Spirituality at the Pontifical Antonian University of Rome on Thursday June 19. Defending his thesis before a panel of four erudite professors and a large audience, he settled to nothing less than a ‘Summa Cum Laude’ (full honours). His thesis was on “Mystical Writings of St Bonaventure as an Inspiration for Capuchin Franciscan Formation Today.”
Fr Dolphy Pais Fr Chetan Lobo
Fr Dolphy is an unassuming simple Mangalorean capuchin, though his family now settled in Mumbai. In the past, he has rendered valuable services to the province in various capacities, namely as novice master, administrator of the Franciscan Institute, Bangalore, etc. He has also worked as a missionary in Ethiopia for some time.
To add to the joys of the Karnataka Capuchins, another member Fr Chetan Lobo obtained his Masters degree in Social Communications (Mass media) at the Pontifical Salesian University of Rome on Monday June 23. His thesis was on the hot topic of today: “Digital divide: Is it Narrowing or Widening Globally? Examining the Domestic Digital Divide in India with Special Reference to Bangalore, the ‘Silicon Valley of India’”. Fr Chetan, a familiar name in Konkani circles has worked as the manager of Assisi Press and Editor of ‘Kutmacho Sevak’ monthly magazine in the past.
To celebrate the twin achievements a grand celebration was organized on Tuesday June 24 evening at St Lawrence International College. Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore, was the honoured guest of the evening, who made time to visit the capuchins and share in their joy. It was also a farewell celebration as Frs Dolphy and Chetan head back to the ‘Rome of the East’ (Mangalore) shortly.
Around 100 guests participated in the celebration which included universities’ professors, Capuchin and Salesian priests, and quite a few ‘Konkani Kutam’ members. The menu was totally Mangalorean, prepared under the guidance of Fr Reginald Furtado, the master chef!!