Media Release

Udupi, Sep 21: Fr Denis D'Sa, parish priest of St Ann's Church, Thottam, and PRO of Udupi diocese, celebrated his 60th birthday on Friday, September 20. The celebration began with a thanksgiving Mass, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony with parishioners at the church ground.

Fr Denis D'Sa was the main celebrant, accompanied by Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of Udupi diocese, Fr Fred Mascharenhas, parish priest of Belman, Fr Clement Mascharenhas, parish priest of Karkal Town, and other priests.

In his homily, Fr Joseph Martis, parish priest of Derebail Church and former rector of St Joseph Seminary, Mangaluru, emphasized that 'Life is a gift from God'. 

After the Mass, the parishioners organized a birthday celebration. Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves conveyed his message and congratulated Fr Denis on his birthday. The parishioners felicitated Fr Denis with a shawl, Mysuru Peta, and citation. The office bearers of Sarvadharma Samanvaya Samithi also honoured him.

Fr Denis expressed gratitude to the parishioners for the beautiful celebration and thanked his family, friends, and fellow priests who joined in.

To mark his birthday, Fr Denis made a heartfelt request: instead of celebrating, he wanted to build a new home for a needy family. The church members enthusiastically supported the idea and pledged to complete the house within three months.

Other dignitaries present included Fr Alvin Sequeira, editor of Uzwad; Fr Ashwin Aranha; Fr Jitesh Castelino; Fr Vikas; Walter Nandalike, founder Daijiworld Media: Sunil Fernandes, vice president, Parish Pastoral Council; Blesilla Crasta, secretary; Vanita Fernandes, director of 20 commissions; and Sr Susma, superior, Thottam Convent. Leslie Aroza skillfully moderated the programme.