Moodubelle: Silver Jubilee of Fr. Paul Sequeira’s Priesthood celebrated by the parishioners

By Eugene DSouza
Pics by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 01 May 2013: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…”  In the words also known as the ‘Magnificat’ of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Luke’s Gospel (1:46-55), Fr. Paul Sequeira, Principal of St. Lawrence Composite PU College, Moodubelle thanked Almighty God for the gift of priesthood for the last 25 years on the occasion of the celebration of the Silver Jubilee as a priest in the Parish Hall of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

 

Fr. Paul was replying to the felicitation organized by the parishioners of Moodubelle following the solemn Eucharistic Mass concelebrated by Fr. Paul Sequeira along with 30 other priests at 4.30 pm. Bishop of Udupi, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Vicar General  Rev. Dr. Bapatist Menezes, Dean of Udupi Varado, Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas and Dean of Shirva Varado, Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro were present for the Mass. Rev. Fr. Valerian D’Souza, former parish priest of Moodubelle and mentor of Fr. Paul in his homily highlighted the sacredness of priestly ministry and pointed out the travails and joys of priesthood. He said that in 103 years of the history of Moodubelle parish, after the long service of the founder parish priest, late Rev. Fr. Casmir Fernandes, it is the tenure of Fr. Paul with 11 years that  the second longest service in this parish.

 

 

Following the Mass, the felicitation function was held at 6 pm in the hall presided over by Bishop Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo. Besides Fr. Paul Sequeira, Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes-parish priest of Moodubelle, Fr. Charles Menezes-National Director of YCS, Fr. Lancy Saldanha-asssitant parish priest, Fr. Maxim Pinto (OFM-Cap)-Director of Assisi Nilaya, Sr. Irene-Superior of Loreto Convent, Alphonse K. Alva-vice president and Mrs. Jacinta D’Souza-secretary  of the parish pastoral council were on the dais.

 

The felicitation function began with the prayer song by a group of students trained by Sr. Irene. Fr. Lancy Saldanha welcomed the guests following which Fr. Paul Sequeira cut the cake and the choir rendered the felicitation song.

 

On behalf of the parish, Fr. Paul was honoured on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of his priesthood. Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Alphonse K. Alva read the citation covering briefly the biographical sketch and service rendered by Fr. Paul in various parishes and educational institutions. Thereafter, Fr. Paul was felicitated by the Bishop and the dignitaries on the dais by offering him shawl, flower bouquet, fruit tray, memento and the citation.

 

 
Fr. Charles Menezes delivered the Felicitation Oration in which he narrated in hilarious manner the family background, vocation and priestly service of Fr. Paul. Rev.

 

Fr. Valerian D’Souza released the special issue of the parish magazine ‘Suvad’ dedicated to Fr. Paul Sequeira on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of his priesthood. Prior to the release, Mrs. Meera Lobo, editor of ’Suvad’, in a brief introduction narrated the purpose of  bringing out the special edition of  ‘Suvad’.

 

In his address, Rev. Fr. Valerian D’Souza pointed out the special bond that existed between Fr. Paul and himself since the last 35 years since Fr. Paul was a seminarian. He appreciated the selfless service rendered by Fr. Paul wherever he went as assistant parish priest or as a teacher and principal in educational institutions.

 

Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes in his message said that Fr. Paul has been a special person filled with talents especially music which he nurtured by training the choir of the parish. He also recalled the service rendered by Fr. Paul not only in St. Lawrence Composite PU College as a Principal but also his contribution in various parish activities.

 

In his reply to the felicitation function, Fr. Paul thanked God for the gift of priesthood and recalled with gratitude the help and support rendered to him by various people right from his parents, family members, teachers, professors in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore, late Bishop of Mangalore Dr. Basil D’Souza who ordained him a priest, present Bishops of Mangalore and Udupi, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza and Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo respectively and parish priests of various churches where he served. Out of 20 years that he served in the educational institutions, he spent 11 years in Moodubelle.

 

In his presidential address, Bishop Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo congratulated Fr. Paul on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of his priesthood and said that Fr. Paul spent major part of his priestly ministry in  areas covered by the new diocese of Udupi. He also felicitated Fr. Paul by offering him shawl and a bouquet on behalf of the Diocese of Udupi and wished him well in his future ministry.

 

Mrs. Shanti Alva compeered the felicitation function and Mrs. Jacinta D’Souza, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council proposed the vote of thanks.

 

Also Read: Fr. Paul Sequeira - The driving force of the golden jubilee celebration St. Lawrence High School