Udupi: Fr Agnel Minor Seminary Kallianpur marks silver jubilee, Fr Agnel D’Souza death anniversary

By Richard DSouza, Kallianpur
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 23 Nov: The silver jubilee celebrations of Fr Agnel Minor Seminary of Kallianpur and 92nd death anniversary celebrations of blessed Fr Agnel D’Souza were held at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur near here on Wednesday November 20.

 

The solemn eucharistic mass was concelebrated by bishop of Udupi diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, along with rector, Milagres Cathedral, Dr Lawrence C D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, Fr Stany B Lobo, general secretary of Society of Pilar Fathers’, Fr Norman Almeida, Goa Provincial Superior of Society of Pilar, Fr Mathew Fernandes, Kallianpur deanery priests and guest priests.

 

In his homily, editor of Rakhno Konkani Weekly, Fr Valerian Fernandes said that Jesus Christ tried to preach on truth, goodness, peace and life of heaven. Jesus always pointed out the Kingdom of God. The blessed Fr Agnel had set his sights high in the service of God and aimed at cultivating assiduously all the priestly virtues and was an impressive preacher not because of any flourish of rhetoric but because every word he spoke from the pulpit came out from the depth of his heart.

 

For 25 years in Kallianpur, 12 ordained priests were in Fr Agnel Minor Seminary in Kallianpur. Presently, there are 12 students in minor seminary, Fr Valerian said.

 

At the end of the mass, vocational director of Pilar Fathers’ Kallianpur, Fr Jossy Mascarenhas extended his gratitude to all concerned. He also thanked bishop Gerald, all the priests, nuns, devotees of Fr Agnel, seminarians’ parents and others concerned with the celebration.

 

After the eucharistic mass celebration, the seminarians of Fr Agnel Mini Seminary, brothers and priests put up a short programme at Milagres Tri-Centenary hall.

 

 

During the stage programme, Fr Dr Lawrence C D’Souza, Fr Norman Almeida, Provincial Superior of Goa Provincial of Pillar Fathers Fr Mathew Fernandes, parish priest of Salethur Church of Mangaluru diocese and first priest of Pilar Fathers’ in minor seminary, Fr Henry D’Souza, parish priest of Pamboor church and spiritual director of Pilar Fathers’ seminarians, Fr Henry Mascarenhas, Fr John Bennett Superior and vocational director of Minor Seminary, Dr Nery Cornelio vice-president of Milagres Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council were present on the dais.

 

Fr Henry D’Souza placed the history of Fr Agnel Minor Seminary and Pilar Fathers’ existence in undivided Mangaluru diocese. They began their missionary service in Kota of Udupi district. Later, on purchase of land opposite Milagres church under the guidance of the earlier vicar of Milagres, late Fr D’Cruz, Pilar Fathers’ missionary work began in Kallianpur.

 

Fr Mathew Fernandes appreciated all the devotees of Fr Agnel in Kallianpur and the surrounding areas.

 

The rector of Milagres Cathedral, Dr Lawrence C D’Souza appreciated the priests of Pilar Fathers of Kallianpur for their valuable services to the parish and the faithful. He conveyed his best wishes on the dual celebrations.

 

Dr Nery Cornelio also spoke during the occasion. Fr Henry D’Souza, Fr Norman Almeida, Fr Henry Mascarenhas, Fr Lawrence D’Souza, Fr Mathew Fernandes, Dr Nery Cornelio, Owin Rodrigues and Peter D’Souza were honoured.

 

The seminary students showcased various programmes like singing, traditional dance, playing instrumental music and more.

 

Earlier, Fr Jossy Mascarenhas welcomed the gathering. Fr Savio Costa mastered the singing by the students of seminarians. Austin D’Souza and Pio Miranda compered the seminarians’ programme, while Eugine Rebello compered the felicitation and stage programme. Fr Henry D’Souza graced the prayer before the meal.

 

Around 22 priests participated in the eucharistic celebration. A large number of devotees and donors also participated. Fr Agnelo devotion pamphlets and calendars were distributed to the devotees.