Mangalore: Homecoming - Bishop Henry D'Souza of Bellary Honoured at Kinnigoli
News and pics from Lionel Pinto, Kinnigoli
for Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA)
Mangalore, Aug 18: Bishop Henry D'Souza of Bellary, who is the first priest to be ordained as Bishop from Kinnigoli parish, which is 204 years old, was honoured by the parishioners on Sunday August 17.
Kinnigolians were eagerly and enthusiastically waiting to welcome their loving Bishop, popularly known as ' Henry Padriab' eversince his Episcopal ordination. Their dream was finally realized on Sunday August 17 when Bishop Henry D'Souza set foot in his native parish.
The parish pastoral council and the parishioners extended a warm welcome to him. Bishop was welcomed by parish priest Fr Alfred pinto, vice-president of the pastoral council Lionel Pinto. Bishop was taken to the parish on an open Jeep with a procession in which nearly 1500 parishioners took.
Bishop Henry offered a thanksgiving Mass in the Church grounds along with 16 priests and a large number of devotees. A stage function was held after the Mass to felicitate the only Bishop of Kinnigoli.
Msgr Edwin Pinto, director of Mount Rosary Institutions, Moodbidri was the president. Abhaychandra Jain, local MLA, Vedamurthy Laxminarayana Asranna of Kateel Temple, Abdul Lathif Saqafe, Khatib of Jummah Masjid Kinnigoli were the chief guests on the occasion.
Jacintha Mathias delivered the felicitatory speech. Bishop Henry is a talented person. Even though he worked in many fields and achieved success by holding the high posts and positions, he is still a simple man with lots of love and affection for the poor and needy people, she said.
Abhayachandra Jain, Asranna and Abdul Latif who also spoke on the occasion, congratulated Bishop Henry and whished him success in his mission work. Msgr Edwin Pinto in his presidential speech recalled the days when Bishop Henry rendered his services to all as the director of Sandesha. He advised Bishop Henry to serve the people with the healing touch and love of God.
Bishop Henry in his thanksgiving speech recalled the days in the Kinnigoli parish and remembered working with the priests who served Kinnigoli parish. "It was not my wish to become the Bishop But it is the God's desire. God has chosen me as the Bishop and has asked me to lead the Bellary diocese. I owe a lot to you all. At the same time faithful of Bellary and I need your prayers and love,” he added.
Lionel Pinto, vice-president of the parish pastoral council read the felicitation note. Bishop Henry was draped in shawl, garlanded and presented with fruits and memento along with 'Maan Potr.'
Fr Alfred Pinto, parish priest of Kinngoli welcome the guests and gathering. Mabel D'Souza, secretary of the parish pastoral council proposed vote of thanks. Fr Melwyn Noronha, the assistant parish priest blessed the food. Gretta D'Souza and Joseph Quadros compered the programe.