Mangalore: Sodality of Immaculate Conception of Mary felicitates Bishop Francis Serrao

By Henry Mendonca
Pics by Nikhil Studio
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 04 Aug 2014: ‘Sodality is the symbol and sacrament of Kingdom of God that is about sharing and caring.  When I was spiritual director of Sodality of Immaculate Conception of Mary, I have experienced these values,’ said Bishop Dr Francis Serrao of Shimoga.

 

Bishop Dr Francis was speaking in his acknowledgement to the felicitation by Sodality of Immaculate Conception of Mary, here on Saturday August 3.

 

 

Bishop Dr Francis further said, ‘I am grateful to Sodality of Immaculate Conception of Mary president Rudolph D Silva and fellow sodalist for attending my swearing in ceremony at Shimoga.  I always love to be addressed as just mere Bishop as I am Bishop to my dioceses, priests and laity. Therefore, I wish not to be address as His Excellency, Most Reverend etc.  Bishop’s post is not a position or award, but it is a task. I will try my best to fulfill the task.  I need your support in prayers in this regard,’ said Bishop Dr Francis.

 

‘As a young man I aspired to be a priest of St Vincent De Paul congregation, as we had SVD priest in our family. But I became a Jesuit priest. Now I am in a diocese and I love to forever remain in the Society of Jesus (SJ),’ added Bishop Dr Francis.

 

The senior sodalist Fr Melville Pinto introduced Bishop Dr Francis to the gathering. Pinto fondly recalled his association with Bishop Dr Francis when he was the parish priest in charge of Anekal Mission.

 

Sodalist Dr Julian Saldhana read the citation letter.

 

The senior sodalists advocate Clarence Pais, Joe Gonsalves and Joseph C D’Souza felicitated Bishop Dr Francis on the occasion.

 

The spiritual director Fr Michael John handed over a burse to Bishop Dr Francis on behalf of Sodality of Immaculate Conception of Mary on the same occasion.

 

Sodality of Immaculate Conception of Mary secretary  Valerian Sequeira, vice president  Joseph Teddy Sequeira,  treasurer  Allan Fernandes and  about 150 sodality members were present.

 

Rudolph D’ Silva welcomed the gathering.  The advocate Stanley R D Costa proposed Vote of thanks. Stephan Pinto compered the programme.