Delhi Archbishop celebrates the Golden Jubilee of Priestly Ordination

By Wilfred D’souza & Fr.Cheatan Machado
Bellevision Media Network

Delhi, 17 December 2011: Kanara Cultural Association,  a Registered Body  in the National Capital, New Delhi since  the year 1961;  planned a grand celebration to commemorate the   Golden Jubilee of the Priestly  Ordination of  three Manglorians  priest;  one among  them was  our most respected and loved Delhi Archbishop Most Reverend Vincent M. Concessao. The other two were the Vicar General of the Archdiocese Very Reverend Fr. Victor D’souza and Fr.  Paul Serrao.

 

This mega event was organized at the Diocesan Centre, Gole Dhak Khana, a Hall lies very close to the Sacred Heart Cathedral on the 10th of Dec 2011.  The function started at 5.00 pm sharp. Most Reverend Vincent M. Concessao. Archbishop of Delhi along with the other two Jubileerians concelebrated the Holy Mass along with 10 other mangalorean Priest.  It was a full house as all the members and guest of the organization took part in the Holy Mass.

 

 

 

In his inaugural exclamation of joy the Archbishop said “Strange are the ways of the Lord who choose an unworthy person like him and for that matter the other two fellow priests who were also completing 50 years of service in the vineyard of the Lord. He also requested all the faithful present to join him and the others two of his colleagues in thanking the Lord in the Holy Mass.Enchanting Choir sang specially chosen old Konkani hymns so that all could join their  voices in  praising the Lord and  the same really  added meaning to the  days liturgy.

 

Soon after the Holy Mass there was unique Photo session with the Jubilarians which different age groups also brought lots of joy among the members. All young and old made their place in the group photo sessions so that these group photos could become a unique collection of memorabilia in their lives.All the three jubilierians were felicitated in a special & unique way.  On calling the name of Fr. Paul Serrao, who first took the center stage and Smt. Dorothy Periera was called  by the compare to speak on the achievements and   person of Fr.Paul Serrao, she  gave a brief history of Fr. Serrao’s family, the places that he served and how he is famous for his church ministry.  She also did the honours  by giving a shawl, flowers and a memento, which Fr. Serrao accepted with deep appreciation. In reply to the honours he spoke just two words “ Dev Bore karu thumka somestank”  

 

Now it was the turn of Very Rev. Fr. Victor D’souza the Vicar General of the Archdiocese to be called upon to take the center stage  and  Shri Maxwell Pereira, former Joint Commissioner of Police, New Delhi,  was requested to do the honours. In his brief but well versed speech, Maxy, as lovingly he is called gave his experience of  the person Fr, Victor D’souza   and gave an account of his brilliant administrative skills and acumen, which made his a class apart.   He also did the honours of presenting a shawl, flowers and a memento, which Fr. Victor  accepted with deep gratitude. In reply to the honours he spoke of his child hood days and how it took to reach 50 years in the service of the Lord and thanked all for making this day so special for him.

 

Finally the third of the jubilerian that is our Most Reverend Vincent M. Concessao. Archbishop of Delhi was called upon to take to the center stage and  KCA patron Shri Oscar Fernandes, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha  was requested to do the honours. In his is heart touching speech Oscar bob said how he came in touch with the now Archbishop, when he was a Priest, Vicar General, and Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi Diocese He said the brightness and glow on the face of His Grace is the sign of his simplicity, holiness and dedication for his people.  He was sure that the immense contribution of Archbishop Vincent makes every Mangalorians proud and wished him long life and many more years in the service of the Lord. He also honoured  the jubilerian by presenting a shawl, flowers and a memento, in doing these all honours the KCA President was also joined in felicitating  all the three of them.

 

All the jubilarians, shared their feelings and also expressed their gratitude.  There was a short cultural programme which included a Konkani skit, group dances, group song, felicitation song and community singing and baila dance.KCA website was also inaugurated  by His Grace Most Reverend Vincent M. Concessao. Archbishop of Delhi. Mr. Melvin Albuquerque was the creator of the same. Mr. Wilfred D’souza informed the house about the New KCA   Directory/ souvenir that the KCA Executive is planning to bring out in 2012 and called upon all the members to support the cause by contributing in the form of advertisement and  donations.

 

KCA President was very gracious and wasted no time in expressiong  his appreciation of his executive committee when he called and honoured all those who really contributed in making this evening specially grand and memorable one. Mr. Jerry (who sponsored dinner), Mr. Elias  Pinto, the Master of the Ceremony /Gurkar of the evening, Babita & Veronica Alik,  for the Choir and singing to name a few.  All those participated in the dances and skits were also called on the stage to mark their contribution for the evening. The Valados - Zita and her daughters put up some brilliant dances.  Badarpur Managlorian community too actively participated in the cultural events. The Comparing in Konkani that was done by Janet and  Prashant was flapless,  brilliant and  exemplary.

 

Dukra Massache Dinner was a mega hit.  Also in the menu was deliciously cooked Chicken masala , mix vegetables, Paneer Masala,  tadkavalee Daal ,  vegetable Pulao, Papard and  green salad. It was indeed a a wonderful celebration. Kanara Cultural Association, Delhi thanks and salutes its founder members (the three Jubilerians) for their service and contribution to the society and KCA in particular.  May God bless them with good health and many more fruitful years in the service of God. More than 400 members from Delhi, Noida, Faridabad and Gurgaon took part in the celebration .