Udupi: Mudarangadi Parish Priest Fr Louis Celebrates Silver Jubilee of Priesthood

By Michael Rodrigues
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 05 May 2013: The silver jubilee celebrations of the priestly ordination of Fr Louis Francis D’Sa, parish priest, St Francis Xavier’s Church Kenha Mudarangadi was held here on Saturday May 4.

 

Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese, was received by the parish priest of Udayavar, Fr Cyprian Pinto, Vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council Joseph D’Souza and Secretary Janet Barboza near Mudarangadi Market at 9.30 am.

 

Jubilarian Fr Louis D’Sa celebrated the Eucharistic solemn mass. Vicar General of Aurangabad Diocese Msngr Valerian Fernades, Mangalore St Joseph Seminary Rector Joseph Martis Fr Cyprian Pinto and Parish Priest of Udayavar Church were the concelebrants.

 
In his homily Fr Joseph Martis, said that Fr Louis D’Sa have worked for the needs of the people wherever he went. Further, Pope Benedict had then called the priests to be happy while spreading God’s message and Fr Louis is spreading god’s message being happy.

 

After the mass there was felicitation programme, More than 40 priests and 30 religious sisters were also present.  On this occasion, "Salavol" Souvenir and Parish Telephone Directory  was released by the Bishop.  In memory of Silver Jubilee of Fr Louis D’Sa’s ordination Bishop laid the foundation stone for Midday meal building.

 

 

Bishop Gerald Lobo felicitated Fr Louis D’Sa with shawl, flower bouquets, fruits, Citation and Memento. Chief Guest of the function Astrologer Vidwan Shreedhar Tantry said that the values which we inculcate in our daily life are mentioned in the Holy Scriptures of every religion. If we join together in daily walks of our life we could be better human beings he added.

 

Ivan D’Souza, Political Leader speaking on the occasion said that Fr Louis D’Sa is a social person who likes to be with people. He has set an example by having inter religious dialogue which has brought peace in Mudrangadi.

 

Mudarangadi Sunni Jamia Masid Mowlana Mohammed Idrees, Shirva Deanary vicar var  Fr Stany Tauro Vicar General of Aurangabad Diocese Msgnr Valerian Fernades also spoke on the occasion.

 

Dr Jerald Isaac Lobo in his message said that, a priest is the messenger sent by Lord Jesus to lead his flock. Bishop continued saying a priest serves the parishioners without any benefit for self but he receives divine benefit from the Lord.  A priest must remain truthful to God and be committed to Lords work then his flock will be secure, Bishop added.

 
The stage programme began with a welcome dance by the children. Vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council Joseph D’Souza welcomed the gathering, Secretary Janet Barboza delivered the vote of thanks. Theresa D’Souza and Rajan Pinto compered the programme.

 
Over 1500 people from across the deanery were present during the programme and shared a fellowship meal, especially prepared by the parish community.

 
Fr Louis D’Sa was ordained as a priest on May 3, 1988 by the late Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Bishop Basil D’Souza. Fr Louis D’Sa served in  Bidar, Shirva, Sampaje, Ajekar, Thottam in Mangalore and Udupi diocese and took charge as Mudarangadi parish priest in May 2010.