Mangalore: Aloysians honor New Bishop Dr Francis Serrao of Shimoga

By Robert DCosta
Pics by John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 31 May 2014 : At the joint aegis of Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK), Sylvester Frank Centenary Foundation (SFCF) and St Aloysius College Alumni / nae Association (SACAA), a felicitation programme of newly-appointed Bishop Dr Francis Serrao of Bellary was held at St Aloysius High School auditorium, here on Friday May 30 evening.

 

Jesuits Provisional Superior of Karnataka Fr Stany D’Souza presided the programme.

 

St Aloysius education institutions rector Fr Denzel Lobo, SFCF chairman Professor Edmond Frank, CASK president Dr Derek Lobo, SACAA president Michael D’Souza were present on the dais.

 

 

Dr Derek in his introductory address briefed about the pious family of Bishop Dr Francis living in Alangar parish, Moodbidri.  Bishop Dr Francis was one amongst 7 priests and one nun out of 11 children in Serrao family.  ‘Bishop Dr Francis has genuine concern for poor and downtrodden that he has proved while serving in mission centers of Bijapur,’ said Dr Derek. He further said that it was a co-incidence that both Pope Francis and Bishop Francis share the same saint’s name and belong to Society of Jesuits congregation.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Edmond Frank said that an Indian born Jesuit clergy has become a Bishop in the history of Mangalore nearly a century. He is none other than Fr Francis.  Therefore, it was a milestone event in the history of Jesuits that CASK, SACAA and SFCF collectively organized this historical event, said Professor Frank.

 

Fr Stany narrated a story and the message of heaven that is being respectful and hell that lies in being disrespectful.

 

Fr Denzel and Fr Stany felicitated Bishop Dr Francis by draping the shawl and presenting fruits and flower bouquet.

 

Bishop Dr Francis said that he has visited all parishes and mission centers of Shimoga diocese. The clergies are exceptionally co-operative and laities are simple and pious. ‘I will focus on continuing the good work of my predecessors Archbishop Dr Joseph Rodrigues and Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. I will strive to my best to reach the ideal,’ said Bishop Dr Francis. He believes in service of faith and fullness of life, stressed Bishop Dr Francis.

 

Dr Derek presented CASK centenary commemoration book to the dignitaries on the same occasion.

 

Shimoga diocese comprises revenue districts of Shimoga, Chitradurga and Davanagere.  It has 20 parishes and 10 mission centers.  Bishop Dr Francis last served as Provincial Superior of Jesuits in Karnataka and was succeeded by Fr Stany D’Souza. Bishop Dr Francis was experienced in every sphere of life, ecumenical, liturgical, educational, mentoring etc.

 

St Aloysius College students presented a prayer song.  Captain John Prasad Menezes compered the programme.  Michael D’Souza proposed vote of thanks.