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Bishop Emeritus Aloysius Paul D’ Souza celebrates Silver Jubilee of Episcopal Consecration on his Birthday at Rosario Cathedral

MANGALURU, JUNE 21: Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’ Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore diocese celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his Episcopal Ordination with a solemn thanksgiving mass in Our Lady of Rosary Cathedral, Mangalore on his Birthday and his patron Saint St Aloysius Gonzaga Day, Tuesday, June 21,  2022 at 9.30 am.
 
Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga, Most Rev. Dr Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary and Most Rev. Dr Ignatius D’ Souza, Bishop of Bareilly concelebrated the mass. Many priests of the diocese and those serving in the diocese were also present.

In his homily, Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi preached on the ministry of a bishop. He said, “Bishop, an anointed minister of God and an authentic teacher in the Church, primarily preaches the Word of God and teaches the faith. He is invested with the fullness of the priesthood of Christ and, as his instrument, communicates divine grace to the other members of the Church.”  Further the bishop said, “In the exercise of his ministry as father and Pastor in the midst of his faithfulness, the Bishop should act as one who serves, always keeping before his eyes the example of the Good Shepherd who came not to be served but to serve and to lay down his life for his sheep.”

The members of Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC), members of Diocesan Finance Committee members, members of Reconciliation Committee and Building Committee, Diocesan Auditors and Pastoral Council Members of Rosario Cathedral along with family members and guest of the Jubilarian participated in the solemn thanksgiving mass.

After the thanksgiving mass, on behalf of the Diocese, a brief felicitation programme in honour of Bishop Emeritus Aloysius Paul D’Souza was organised in the Rosario Cultural Hall. The triple celebration began with the prayer song led by Mr Antony D’ Silva and the members of Rosario Church Choir. The Jubilarian and Birthday Celebrant Bishop A. P D’Souza cut the Birthday cake and shared the joy with the other dignitaries on the dais.

Dr John D’ Silva, Secretary, Diocesan Pastoral Council read the citation written in the form of a poem by Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga.  Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha honoured the bishop with a shawl and presented the citation. All other bishops on the dais honoured the silver jubilarian with a huge jasmine garland. Very Rev. Msgr Maxim L Noronha, Vicar General, Rev. Dr Joseph Martis, Secretary, Council of Priests, Fr Denial Veigas OP, Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Sr Anna Maria BS, CRI Vice President,  Dr John D Silva, secretary, Diocesan pastoral Council were joined the bishops on dais in felicitating the silver jubilarian Bishop A. P. D’ Souza. Bishops of Shimoga and Bellary individually felicitated the Jubilarian with a shawl and garland.

To make the celebration a memorable one, “Movalh Mogak Saks Bisp Luvis Pavl Soz- Witness to Compassionate Love Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza,” a book on the life and achievements of Bishop Aloysius Paul D’ Souza was released by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldnaha. The book,  compiled by Mr Stephen Quadros, Permude, includes the collection of fond memoirs of the dear ones, peers, colleagues, admirers and well-wishers of Bishop Aloysius Paul D’ Souza.

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, in his presidential address recalled the life, ministry and contributions of Bishop Aloysius Paul D’ Souza to all parishes and institutions he served and the diocese at large. He spoke a few words of appreciation and thanked the bishop for his compassionate love, support, encouragement and inspiration in heading the diocese and guiding the faithful. Bishop Peter said, “Bishop AP lived his episcopal motto “With the Tender Compassion of Jesus Christ” all through his life. Bishop AP has touched all our hearts with the innocence of his Patron Saint Aloysius Gonzaga and showed the compassionate face of God.”  

In his reply to the felicitation, Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Saldanha, Bishop Emeritus thanked Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha and the entire diocese for their love, affection and honour bestowed on him through this felicitation programme. The Silver Jubilarian Bishop said, “I am very much pleased with you all. I consented to celebrate this jubilee after a year, only to thank my priests who were a great support in my ministry and for their obedience. I am grateful to all the vicar generals and all priests (both Udupi and Mangalore) for collaborating with me in all my plans and missions.” Thanking the youth and lay faithful, the bishop called them upon to take leadership in the society and in the Govt. sectors and thus witness Christ through our life of love and service.
Most Rev. Dr Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary recited the grace before the meal.  Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director, Canara Communication Centre compered the programme. A sumptuous meal was served at the end of the programme.