Moodubelle: Diamond Jubilee of the Franciscan Secular Order celebrated

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 30 October 2011: The Diamond Jubilee of the establishment of the Franciscan Secular Order (Tertiary Order) in St. Lawrence parish Moodubelle was celebrated with a solemn Mass and a stage programme on Sunday, 30 October 2011. It was exactly 60 years ago, on 30 October 1951, the Franciscan Secular Order was founded in the  parish under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Vincent Lobo (OFM-Cap) while Rev. Fr. Jerome M. Pinto was the parish priest.

 

The Diamond Jubilee Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes and Fr. Maxim Pinto (OFM-Cap), Director of the Assisi Nilaya and Spiritual Director of the Franciscan Secular Order in Belle at 10 am. The entire liturgical service was conducted by the members of the Franciscan Secular Order including all the readings, choir and offertory procession. Fr. Maxim Pinto preached the homily.

 

Following the Jubilee Mass, a stage programme was held in the Parish Hall at 11.30 am which was attended by all the members of the Franciscan Secular Order, priests, two sisters from the Loreto Convent and some members of the Parish Pastoral Council and brothers from the Assisi Nilaya, Naalku Beedhi.  The programme was presided over by Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes.

 

Following the welcome address by Mrs. Rita Mathais, President of the Franciscan Secular Order, the programme was formally inaugurated by the dignitaries on the dais by lighting the lamp. Mrs. Jacinta Lobo, Secretary of the Tertiary Order read the report of the functioning of the Order in the Belle Parish.

 

 

Boniface Barboza(Benny Master) one of the founder members of the Tertiary Order traced the origin and growth of the Franciscan Secular Order in Belle. He said that the Order  was started in 1951 with 10 men and 19 women which gradually grew with additional members.  Presently there are 42 members. He said that among the founder members, himself, Augustine Lobo and Mrs. Severine D’Souza were present for the Diamond Jubilee function.

 

Fr. Maxim Pinto, Fr. Paul Sequeira and Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes in their messages extended warm greetings of the Diamond Jubilee to all the members of the Franciscan Secular Order.  Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes said that right from his childhood he was greatly influenced by the ideals of the Secular Franciscan Order  as his grandmother was a member in his native parish of Thottam. He also recalled the visits of Rev. Fr. Vincent Lobo to his parish in relation to the Tertiary Order.

 

The present office bearers of the Franciscan Secular Order are: Rita Mathias-President, Mrs. Helen D’Souza-Vice President, Mrs. Jacinta Lobo-Secretary, Mrs. Clara Aranha-Treasurer, Training Instructor-Mrs. Sobina Martis, Mrs. Pushpa Fernandes and Mrs. Nancy D’Souza-Representatives.

 

The entire programme was compeered by Mrs. Sobina Martis and the vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Helen D’Souza.

 

Fr. Lancy Saldanha, Assistant Parish Priest recited the grace before the meal followed by lunch for all the guests and members of the Franciscan Secular Order.