Mangalorean Association felicitates Priests in Canada

Press Release

Mississauga, 16 May 2010: Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict, XVI, announced the special “Year of the Priests” from Friday, June 19, 2009 to June 19, 2010.  This is an opportunity for every Catholic to reflect upon the importance of the contributions and dedication of our priests, support and encourage the vocation of priesthood, and acknowledge and appreciate the tremendous service they provide to God’s people.

The Year of the Priests evokes in us deep admiration for the unique gifts a priest provides to his flock.  He represents the Church and reaches out to the people with the good news of God’s love and mercy, helps his congregation grow through worship and helps them explore and strengthen their faith.  The priest is also a leader in the catholic community and provides unstinting support to his people in need.  In deep gratitude for the unwavering support and spiritual comfort the priests provide to the community, the Mangalorean Association of Canada organized a Felicitation for the Priests on May 9, 2010 in Sts. Martha and Mary Parish, Mississauga.

A special Eucharistic celebration with Msgr. Terence D’Souza as the main celebrant with Rev. Fr. Andrew Lewis, Rev. Fr. Edwin D’Souza and Rev. Fr. Joseph Wasik as concelebrants was the highlight of the event.  Merlyn Rodrigues led the choir and Msgr. D’Souza preached a soul stirring homily.

The felicitation ceremony was held in the in the church hall and was preceded by a cultural program.  The emcee, Janet D’Souza introduced Maxim D’Mello who welcomed the spiritual leaders and the audience and thanked them for their wholehearted participation. Miss Renita Fernandes put on a stupendous performance in her welcome dance which was followed by an enthusiastic group song, “Bless All Priests’ directed by Sonia Monteiro.  The song was sung by Clementina D’Souza, Lawrentina D’Souza, Priston Ken Monteiro, Seneca Rego, Aaron Mathias Cassie D’Cunha, Nishant D’Mello, Linton Pinto, Larson Pinto, Lloyd Pinto, Joylin D’Souza, Natasha D’Souza, Elvin D’Souza, Michele D’Mello, Lillian Lobo, Lynn D’Souza, Leandra D’Souza and Leonora D’Souza.  The emotional and serene prayer dance by Clementina D’Souza, Joylin D’Souza, Natasha D’Souza, Lawrentina D’Souza and Lynn D’Souza brought the audience to their feet and to tremendous cheering for the immense talent of the youngsters.

Our priests provide an unparalleled service to the members of their parish and the community.  From the time we are born to the time we die, our spiritual fathers administer the sacraments, instill, promote and encourage our faith and serve as hospital chaplains.  They explain the teachings of Jesus and how we can apply them to our daily lives.  They do all this and much more and ask for nothing in return.  With this in mind and for their dedication and service, MAC President, Maxim D’Mello presented mementoes to Msgr. Terence D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Andrew Lewis, Rev. Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Mounir El-Rassi, Rev. Fr. Mark Achilles Villanueva, Rev. Fr. Jose Thaipparampil and Rev. Fr. Joseph Wasik.  Each priest then shared some thoughts and requested prayers for vocations and family togetherness.  MAC also appreciated the efforts of former President and life member, Mr. Melwyn Menezes for his efforts in establishing the association and presented him with a bouquet of flowers.  Sr. Ferdinand was also presented with flowers for her continual support and prayers for the association.

Mothers have the strongest and most vital influence on our lives.  They are a life giving, nurturing source of unconditional love and on May 9th, we celebrate Mother’s Day.  A cake was cut on this wonderful occasion with the spiritual leaders offering a blessing and prayer for the mothers.  Michelle Fernandes sang a special song for the mothers in the audience.  MAC also announced a special fund raising game of Housie for the proposed medical college and hospital that is to be built in Ranchi, Jharkhand.  In 2009, the General Body of Catholic Bishop’s made a historic decision to build this hospital to ensure that the poor and marginalized sections of northern India would have access to improved health care facilities.

A delicious dinner catered by Konkan Delite was served and the evening ended on a successful note with the Lavdhate.  MAC appreciates the melodious music provided by DJ Keegan Lobo and applauds the efforts of every volunteer and member who worked hard towards ensuring the grand success of this event.