Media Release
Nairobi, May 12: Kanara Konkani Catholics of Nairobi (KKCN) and Children of God, Nyumbani celebrated golden jubilee of priestly ordination of Fr Francis Rodrigues SJ.
He was born on October 10, 1938, at Kadri Mangaluru to the late Marcel & Rosa Rodrigues and was last born among the four siblings.
He completed his primary and higher education at St Aloysisus College Mangaluru and graduated with BCom degree in the year 1962.
Later while working, pursued his master’s degree at Mumbai University and his calling took him to join the Society of Jesus in the year 1964 at Mumbai and had his formation studies initially at Mumbai and later at Pune and was ordained on May 8, 1974 at Milagres Church Mangalore by the late Bishop Basil D’Souza.
After serving for a brief period in Mumbai, he moved to Join East African province of Jesuits in the year 1978.
Since last 4 plus decades he served in in various capacities, as parish priest, finance administrator, headmaster, and chaplain not only in East Africa but also in UK.
At the ripe age of 87, he is currently serving as member of board & chairman at Children of God, Nyumbani (taking care of HIV-positive orphans and vulnerable children) and as finance administrator for Jesuit University coming up in Kenya.
On Saturday May, 11, KKCN members celebrated the event by thanksgiving Mass at St Jude’s Chapel, Nairobi. Fr Francis was joined by Fr Richard D’Souza SJ, Fr Richard D’souza SJ, Nairobi, Fr Peter Pinto and Fr Leo Fernando SVD from Eldoret, Kenya.
A unique feature of the celebration was the celebration of the Mass was a mix of 3 languages, English, Kiswahili and Konkani symbolizing missionary nature and journey of Fr Francis. Dinner reception was hosted at Goan Gymkhana after the Mass.
On Sunday 12, on the Feast of Ascension, members of KKCN family joined in yet another celebration at Children of God -Nyumbani. The feast Mass was presided over by Bishop Emeritus Rodrigo Mejia. In his homily, he linked the missionary life of Fr Francis with the missionary call given by Jesus before his ascension into heaven.
Adding grace to the celebration was the presence of Mama Ngina Kenyatta (first Lady of Independent Kenya) along with other members of Kenyatta family. They shared their experience and relationship with Fr Francis for the last four decades and acknowledged his guidance in all spiritual and family matters.
Children at Nyumbani (home) entertained the guest with song, dance after the Mass and programme concluded with refreshments being served to all.