Report: Sanchia Nazareth
Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady
Beltangady, Apr 22: The sacerdotal silver jubilee of Fr Dr Archibald Gonsalves was celebrated in a grand manner at Sacred Heart Church, Madanthyar on Tuesday April 22. The celebrations also marked his parents' turning octogenarians.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangalore; Dr Henry D'souza, bishop of Bellary; and Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop of Beltangady diocese along with Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas, parish priest, and Fr Dominic Vas, Carmelite vicar graced the occasion.
The entry procession led by around 75 priests and the bishops was held along wit4h the traditional band followed by a hymn by the choir.
The Mass began at 10:30 am with a special blessing of holy water by Bishop Dr Aloysius D'Souza. Sacred Heart Church which was recently renovated was also blessed.
Dr Aloysius D'Souza in his address said that Jesus is the temple and mentioned about the symbol of the church as a place of special worship. He advised all devotees to make good use of the love of God.
Fr Archibald Gonsalves began the Mass with the special intention of expressing his gratitude to the Lord especially on the day of his silver jubilee and his parents' birthday celebrations. Being ordained in the same church, he expressed his feeling of joy on celebrating with the congregation again after 25 years.
Bishop Dr Henry D'Souza delivered the sermon. He rendered special blessings on the octogenarian couple and Fr Gonsalves.
"Christians all over the world are invited to celebrate God in their lives. But some of us have got God's calling as 'servant leaders'. We are blessed to have among us some of the finest priests and nuns. Our love extends to all our parishioners, devotees and near ones. Similarly, married couples, lay men and women must exchange their love among each other. God calls each one in different ways," he said.
"I appreciate people who despite being in difficulties have a heart of gratitude, this is a true blessing. Give grace to God and you will be blessed. Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. St Paul said, 'The God who has called you will give you faith'; protect this faith; keep it alive. Pray for your family, keep them faithful and together," he advised.
Charles Gonsalves and Annie Gonsalves expressed their gratitude to God for their good life, togetherness and for their son Fr Archibald and other children.
Charles Gonsalves was born on November 25, 1933 and is fondly known among his family and friends as 'Charlie Master'; Annie Gonsalves born on September 1934 has been nicknamed fondly as 'Annie teacher' and 'Cycle teacher'. United by love they were married on February 10, 1960. They have a big family consisting of three daughters and three sons.
The informal programme began with a prayer dance performed by Josvita, Glyna, Riya, Priya and Clarissa from the Sacred Heart parish group.
Melvyn Vaz and Andrea Gonsalves ably compered the entire programme.
Dr Richard Gonsalves, brother of Fr Archibald welcomed the gathering, wishing the birthday couple and his brother on their special event. He thanked his family, friends, close relatives and especially the nuns and priests for coming from far and near to attend this event.
Bishops of Mangalore, Bellary and Beltangady along with Charles and Annie Gonsalves, Fr Archibald, Fr Dominic Vaz and Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas were on the dais. The traditional lighting of the lamp was held by all the dignitaries on the dais.
Fr Dominic Vaz, a very popular and devoted priest currently residing at Mira Road church, Mumbai led the toast. He based the theme of the toast on 'the three languages of love - children, neighbors and for each other'.
He said, "Educate a person - that is of prime importance in life. Charles and Annie educated their children, especially since they themselves were educators."
He spoke of his bonding with Fr Archibald as they studied at the seminary together. "Fr Archie as we fondly call him, is a very jovial person. He can lead a gathering with his words of wisdom. Fr Archie always has time for your thoughts. He has an outpouring positivity in life and great stamina," he said.
Fr Vaz ended his toast with a specially composed song for the occasion.
Camelite priests from Goa Fr Sylvester along with Fr William Miranda, Mangalore felicitated the couple and Fr Gonsalves with a shawl and sandalwood garland.
A special dance was presented by the grandchildren of Charles and Annie. The troupe presented a lovely dance led by Spoorthi, Keerthi, Reona and Aysha.
The bishop of Beltangady read out the special apostolic blessing by Pope Francis for the divine grace of Fr Archibald and Charles and Annie Gonsalves.
The bishops of Mangalore, Bellary and Beltangady were felicitated with fruit baskets, shawls and garlands.
The bishops wished and spoke on the occasion rendering their special wishes to the main celebrants.
Gratitude was specially expressed to all the Carmelite priests, Sacred Heart Church, and all those who extended their help in making this event a successful one.
The Gonsalves family ended the programme with a song composed for the occasion. Lunch was served to all attendees.
About Fr Archibald Gonsalves
Being a Carmelite Fr Gonsalves has been often termed by his family and friends as a successful missionary.
Born on July 9, 1961 in Madanthyar near Beltangady, Fr Gonsalves joined the Carmelite Order after completing his PUC in 1979.
He was ordained priest on June 5, 1989 after his seminary studies at St Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary.
Fr Gonsalves also holds a master's degree in philosophy and a master's degree in English literature from Karnataka University.
He was the dean of Pushpashrama, Institute of Philosophy, Mysore for one term, after which he pursued his higher studies in moral theology in Rome.
Fr Gonsalves is a connoisseur of education. His list of education qualifications also boasts of a master’s degree in bio-ethics from the Gemelli Institute, a licentiate and a doctorate in moral theology from the Alfonsian Academy, Rome. He also served as the president of the Indian Priests’ Union in Rome.
On his return to India, he continued to teach bio-ethics and moral theology at various seminaries and institutes. He was soon elected as the first provincial councilor in the Provincial Chapter 2002 and also appointed as the director of Dhyanavana, Institute of Spirituality at Mysore. He was also the rector of Pushpashrama, Institute of Philosophy in Mysore.
Fr Archie is much sought-after for his animating skills at the provincial and general chapters of various congregations. With a versatile personality, he is a born speaker. His leadership ability is widely acclaimed in both religious and secular circles.