By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD/CN)

Mumbai, Jul 26: The 74th death anniversary of Orthodox priest Fr R Z Noronha was observed at Holy Family High School auditorium, Chakala, Andheri (East), on Sunday July 25. 

It was held under the aegis of St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar, their metro unit St Mary’s Orthodox Brahmavarians’ Chapel, Andheri (East), and Orthodox Syrian Catholic Association, Chakala, Andheri (East).

Orthodox community’s chief priest Fr Lawrence D’Souza celebrated the Eucharistic celebrations and prayer service on the occasion.  Nelson Barnes, Valerian D’Sa, and Gilbert D’Silva assisted in the religious celebrations.

Fr D’Souza, in his homily, said that Fr Noronha was a pious and devout priest who strived for the welfare of natives of undivided Dakshina Kannada district. 

“His noble virtues are likely to attain sainthood since he was a succour to the natives in difficulty and was always ready to meet the spiritual needs of natives and a ray of hope for them during his lifetime.  His selfless services are indeed ideal for the youth to follow”, he added.

Fr D’Souza honoured donor Gilbert D’Souza and others during the memorial service.

Romant Dias, chapel secretary Lawrence Suvares, St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Catholic Association president Gilbert D’Silva, secretary Joseph Lewis, former secretary Norbert L Fernandes, secretary Lawrence Suvares, and treasurer Milton D’Silva were present on the occasion.