Fr. Vally’s 75th birthday

Ronald Saby

Moodubelle, 19 October 2007: It was 15th Oct, a day of great joy for over 2500 participants at the Moodubelle Parish on the occasion of Fr. Vally’s 75th birthday. Every heart was filled with gratitude for the service he rendered to the Catholic Church, to the society and towards the humanity worldwide for the several decades and especially as a priest for the past 48 years. Participants spoke highly about the way event was organized, its planning and execution which was carried out at St. Lawrence church premises of Moodubelle.

Thanks giving mass had 130 priests, 50 religious sisters and four Bishops. Rt. Rev. Gerald Lobo, Bishop of Shimogga performed the preaching.

After the mass there was felicitation programme. Astt. Parish Priest Fr. Francis welcomed the gathering. Henry Fernandies – Vice President of Modubelle Parish Council read the ‘Man Pothr’ and Bishop Aloysius Paul presented it to Fr. Vally. Other dignitaries on the Dias were Rt Rev Bisop Gerald Lobo, Arch Bisop Rt Rev. Albert DSouza, Bishop Salvador Lobo, Fr. Lawrence D’Souza, Fr. Baptist- Episcopal Vicar, Fr. Dennis D’Souza- younger brother of Fr. Vally.

In his message, Bishop of M’lore, Rt. Rev Aloysius Paul said count your blessings by friends and the smiles. Priests and friends of Fr. Vally have arrived from North, South, East and West. On behalf of all of them he wished the blessings of Holy Spirit upon Fr. Vally. He had rich praise for Fr. Vallys programmes, plannes and ability to make it a reality for the past 48 years. He further said his work and faith kept him going and age Couldn’t suppress his activity for the Lord and faith in him.

Fr. Lawrence DSouza currently the Parish Priest of Kulshekar is a close friend of Fr. Vally. He opinioned that Fr. Vally is an optimistic and lived by example. His exemplary life has trained over 20 assistant Parish Priests under him. Lord has gifted him talents which are filled, compressed and overflowing. A Great Cannon Law expert, visionary, efficient architect and builder of buildings, churches, parishes and families.

Rt. Rev. Albert DSouza- Arch Bishop of Agra said that Fr. Vally was asst. Parish Priest when he was an alter boy and he always wanted to be a priest like Fr. Vally. Bishop Albert felt that Fr. Vally is a rare talent and gift to us by GOD. He praised Fr. Vally for sharing the wealth of Christ and deep faith in Lord for the past 48 years.

Rev. Fr. Dennis DSouza, younger brother of Fr. Vally congratulated on behalf of the family. With several humorous memories of the past, he brought broad smiles on all the audience.

Parish Council secretary Mrs. Meera Lobo gave vote of thanks. Giant screen was in place for the overflow participants outside the church.

Mr.Raphael Aranha & Judith Lobo compeered the programme in most efficient manner. Fr. Paul Sequira along with Choir sang Jubilee hymn.

It was heartening to see 90 years old Sr. Silvia ( eldest sister of Fr.Vally) congratulating Fr. Vally.

A grand buffet lunch was served to 2500 people who came to participate in joy of this great day. Popular Diana Ice cream was served to all. Food was prepared by the vast majority of parishioners.

There was a beautiful cultural event organized by the parishioner in evening lasting around four hours, enjoyed by one and all.

All praise goes to Fr. Francis supported by Fr. Paul, Fr. Arun and jubilee celebration committee for planning and organizing such a praise worthy event and by far a definite benchmark for Belle Parish as an event organizer.

- Report by Ronald Saby D’Souza.