Media release
Pics: Fr Richard D'Souza

Mangaluru, Apr 27: Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru diocese, celebrated his first birthday as the bishop on April 27 at St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu in city. Bishop presided over thanksgiving Eucharist along with concelebrants at Anthony Ashram Chapel in the morning.

Fr Francis D’Souza, administrator of the ashram, preached homily.

After the Mass, a short wishing programme was held. Fr Peter D’Souza, director of Pastoral Institute, in his felicitation address mentioned five important qualities of   bishop Peter Paul, bishop is human, simple, a good listener, gives importance for participatory leadership in the Church and he is committed to the cause of protection of nature.

Msgr Maxim L Noronha, vicar general of the diocese along with M P Noronha, secretary of DPP, wished bishop with flowers, representing Mangaluru diocese.

Bishop in his birthday message said, St Anthony Ashram is a very good place to celebrate the birthday with inmates in a prayerful way. He expressed his concerns for the bachelors who remained unmarried due to various reasons, that something has be done for them in the diocese so that they may lead a meaningful life. He thanked the organizers of the celebration and those who took various responsibilities in making this celebration a memorable one.

Priests, religious, seminarians, lay faithful, members and officer bearers of various associations were present for the Mass and wished the bishop.

Fr Trishan D’Souza, assistant director of St Anthony Ashram, compered the programme and the choir sang the felicitation song.