Udupi: Priesthood Silver Jubilee of Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis celebrated with pomp

By H M Pernal
Pics by Jhonsy Digitals, Pangala
Bellevision Media Network

Shankerpura, 04 May 2013: Priesthood silver jubilee celebration of  Rev . Fr. Joseph Martis, Rector , St Joseph  Inter diocesan  Seminary , Jeppu ,  Mangalore celebrated with pomp and gaiety at Pangala , Shankerpura.  

Prior to the high mass at well decorated St John the evangelist church , 25 lamps were lit on the alter symbolising 25 fruitful years of service by Rev Fr Joseph Martis  in the vineyard of  lord Jesus. Rev Fr Martis was the main celebrant accompanied by 25 priests. Rev. Fr.  Richard Coelo,  Administrator  ,  Fr Muller Medical College Hospital, Kankanady,  Mangalore  delivered the sermon.  

Fr Coelo emphasized on the fact that vocation and commitment to the vocation is tough task and we the priests too do mistakes as we are also human beings. He congratulated  Fr Martis, who is very close to his heart and wished him all the best in his mission.

Fr Joseph Martis was felicitated on behalf of Pangala Parshioners and Fr Martis felicitated , Fr Richard Coelo, Fr Alban Castelino, Fr James, Fr Cyprian Pinto and Fr Peter D Souza, who were ordained as priest with him 25 years ago, same day.

A felicitation programme was organised by Martis Family at  St John Sabha Bhavan , soon after the Mass.  Henry Martis, Alphonse Martis, Annie d Souza, Mary D Costa, Rita Lobo and sr. Magdaline  ( all brorthers and sisters of Rev Fr Joseph Martis ) were present on the dais along with  Rev Fr Maxim Rosario, Administrator , of  St Joseph  Inter diocesan Seminary , Jeppu and Rev Fr    Vincent Coelho,  Principal, St John Pre University College, Shankerpura , both students of  Rev. Fr.  Joseph  Martis.

Rev.  Fr.  Maxim Rosario, ( Konkani Writer with pen name , Major Kuppep[adavu ) , who happens to be the student of Rev. Fr.  Martis , raised the toast to his beloved teacher.

Fr. Maxim said, “ Rectors job is very tough and it demands lot of energy, commitment and dedication. For past three years Fr. Martis  successfully discharging his duty and he has to complete three more years in office.”

On a lighter note Fr Maxim said  , some days back , when a donkey camping in seminary premises adamant on not leaving the place even after driving away pouring water on it , a fellow brother went and whispered in donkeys ear  “ Look . . . if you  stay further in this seminary premises,  you will be made Rector of this seminary”  and immediately the donkey vanished from the spot.

Among many noble qualities that Fr Martis have, Fr Maxim said , he admires FIVE the most.

First being , he has no enemies , Second , he is very accommodative and compromising in nature, Third, he is very simple and down to earth. Fourth, he maintains good relationship with one and all and Fifth , he has a great concern for the poor and downtrodden.  Though he is a Rector  still  he travels on his old motor bike. He is a very able administrator  and  like a good shepherd takes a very good care of 250 inmates at the seminary with love and compassion.

On behalf of  all the priests ordained along with Fr Martis , Rev Fr Richard Coelho felicitated Fr. Martis with a Jasmine Garland.  

Replying to the toast  Fr. Martis said , He had no intention what so ever to celebrate  25 years of service in a big way.  But his family, especially brother Henry and Sister in Law Bijja insisted on celebration  and  he finally surrendered to their demand.

On a lighter note Fr Joseph said ,  Looking   at the  advertisement published in Raknno he felt sad , because now onwards,  people will recognise him elder priest, who has completed 25 years of service.

Fr Martis further said , St Joseph  is his  patron and in the whole bible Joseph referred as a honest man.  He always tried to live honest and simple life St. Joseph.

Fr Martis felicitated his brothers and sisters on this occasion.  He specially felicitated  his sister Sr.Magdaline, who like him serving in the vineyard of Lord Jesus, always remains low profile.

Henry Martis Welcomed the guests with flowers.  Students of  St John Pre University School rendered prayer dance.

Errol and Jovita  Martis  compered the stage  programme.  As many as 1200 people were present and felicitated Rev Fr Joseph Martis.

Belllevision congratulates Rev Fr Joseph Martis and wishes him many more years of fruitful service in the vineyard of lord.