Rev. Fr. Paul Fernandes SJ an eminent educationist completes 25 years of priesthood

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Moodubelle, 01 May 2014: Rev. Fr. Paul Fernandes SJ, a native of Kattingeri-Moodubelle who was ordained a priest on 8 May 1989 by  Most Rev. Dr. Alphonse D’Souza SJ,  Bishop of Raiganj in West Bengal celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Priesthood in the Society of Jesus on Thursday, 1 May 2014 in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle in the presence of the Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Dean of Udupi Varado, Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas and other priests.

Fr. Paul Fernandes concelebrated the solemn Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass at 10 am along with twenty other priests. Mother of Fr. Paul Fernandes-Mrs. Celestine Fernandes, other family members, relatives, friends and parishioners were present for the mass.

 

 

 
In his homily, Rev. Fr. J.B. Saldanha, former Professor in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu-Mangalore and presently the parish priest of Permannur highlighted the joy of giving and serving and said that Fr. Paul Fernandes by dedicating himself to the service of God and the Church since the last 25 years has been giving and serving selflessly.  His vocation, education and work have been for the greater glory of God and service of humanity.   He also pointed out how difficult it is to share, give and serve in modern times as human beings have become more and more selfish.  Fr. Saldanha further said that people want to become the Disciples of Christ, but have no desire to carry His Cross.

Following the end of the mass, Fr. Paul Fernandes along with the Bishop and other priests posed for group photographs followed by family pictures along with the  jubilarian.

The felicitation programme was held in the Parish Hall at 11.30 am. Fr. Paul Sequeira anchored the programme. The prayer hymn was sung by the choir who also later sang a felicitation song in honour of Fr. Paul Fernandes. The students of St. Lawrence English Medium School presented a welcome dance. Mrs. Celestine Fernandes, mother of Fr. Paul Fernandes formally welcomed the Bishop and other dignitaries on the dais-Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes-parish priest of Moodubelle, Rev. Fr. Chetan (OFM Cap)-Editor of ‘Uzwaad’, Rev. Fr. Denzil-Rector of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore and Rev. Fr. Gerald D’Souza-Administrator and Secretary of De Nobili School, Dhanabad, Jhakrkahnd, by offering them flowers.
The jubilee cake was ceremoniously cut by Fr. Paul Fernandes along with his mother and other dignitaries on the dais.
Fr. Chetan (OFM Cap) raising the toast in honour of Fr. Paul Fernandes brought forth the finer qualities of the jubilarian. He said that Fr. Paul can be considered as an epitome of humility as he is simple, soft-spoken and down-to-earth. With deep study of his subjects at the higher education and vast knowledge and varied experience in planning and administration, Fr. Paul has risen from humble beginning to be founder and  the first Vice-Chancellor of the first Jesuit University in India located at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He pointed out the miraculous journey of Fr. Paul Fernandes from Belle to Bhubaneswar where he has been contributing his best in the field of education. Fr. Chetan wished him well.

Advocate Mrs. Violet Gaga, niece of Fr. Paul Fernandes readout the felicitation citation that was  presented   to him by his mother-Mrs. Celestine Fernandes along with other family members and relatives. Mrs. Celestine Fernandes also honoured her jubilarian son by garlanding him.

On behalf of  St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle, parish priest Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes  complimented Fr. Paul Fernandes on completion of 25 years of priesthood in the Society of Jesus and wished him well in his mission in Odisha. He also offered garland to Fr. Paul on behalf of the parishioners.

Fr. Gerald D’Souza SJ-Administrator and Secretary of De Nobili School, Dhanabad, representing the Jamshedpur Jesuit Province with words of appreciation of the service rendered by Fr. Paul to Jamshedpur Province felicitated him by offering him floral garland.

 

In his felicitation oration, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese recalled the first meeting that he had with Fr. Paul Fernandes at Jamshedpur during the All India Conference of the Bishops and said since then they had been in contact. Appreciating and lauding the deep knowledge of Fr. Paul Fernandes in different subjects, the Bishop said that while the Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Udupi was being formulated Fr. Paul Fernandes conducted three days long workshop for the Diocesan priests which was very fruitful.  The Bishop further said that the greatness of Fr. Paul has been due to his total commitment to the responsibilities given to him by his superiors. He also complimented Fr. Paul’s mother as her son completed 25 years of priesthood. The Bishop then honoured the jubilarian by offering him a shawl and garland and also offered a garland to Mrs. Celestine Fernandes.

In his reply to the felicitation, Fr. Paul Fernandes expressed gratitude to the Bishop, Dean-Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, parish priest-Fr. Joswey and other priests who participated in the jubilee mass and felicitation programme. He thanked his mother and family members, especially Advocate Violet Gaga for  making all the arrangements of the Silver Jubilee celebrations.
On behalf of the Udupi Varado, Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas and on behalf of the Jesuit Community of Mangalore, Rev. Fr. Denzil felicitated Fr. Paul Fernandes by offering him garlands.

Rev. Fr. Valerian D’Souza, former parish priest of Moodubelle and Rev. Fr. Swebert D’Silva SJ, Principal of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of the Udupi Diocese were also present.

Mrs. Rose Martis another niece of Fr. Paul Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.