Beltangady: Grand celebrations mark Fr Archibald Gonsalves' sacerdotal jubilee


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.

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Dr. Cajetan Coelho, Goa, India

    Sat, May 03 2014

    Hearty congratulations to Fr Archibald Gonsalves. Ad multos annos.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil Coutinho, Abhay,Bangalore

    Fri, Apr 25 2014

    Congratlations! Fr.Archie

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Louie & Ella D'Cunha, Kulshekar/Canada

    Fri, Apr 25 2014

    Congratulations, Fr. Archie on your 25 years of Priesthood. You have truly lived your vocation Serving the Lord with a Smile. May the Lord bless you and use you in the years ahead. We share your joy.
    Lots of Love and Blessings.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr Veeresh V Moras, Madanthyar/Shimoga

    Thu, Apr 24 2014

    Dear Fr. Archie, Hearty congratulations!!! It was a wonderful feeling for me to attend the celebrations! May God continue to bestow his blessings and love through you! Ad Multos Annos

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr Philip Roque, Karwar

    Thu, Apr 24 2014

    Dear Fr. Archie, congratulations and best wishes for the jubilee. I really missed it.May the Lord shower his choicest blessings on you and on your parents on your jubilee day and everyday.
    -yours fr Philip Roque

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lawrence & Edna Mascarenhas, USA

    Thu, Apr 24 2014

    Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Archibald Gonsalves on the celebration of sacerdotal jubilee. May God grant him the strength and wisdom to continue his mission.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • FR FELIX MONTEIRO, BADYAR, MANGALORE

    Wed, Apr 23 2014

    Dear Provincial, Fr Archie, congratulations to you on your Sacerdotal Jubilee of your priesthood. Beautiful and colourful program. Beautiful arrangements. Nice PHOTOS from Stanley Bantwal.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr. J.B. Sequeira, Capuchin, Foggia, Italy

    Wed, Apr 23 2014

    Dear Fr. Archie,
    Hearty Congratulations, Happy Jubilee. May God continue to grant you wit and vigour as you render your priestly service efficiently.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr. Rudolf V. D'Souza, MADANTHYAR

    Wed, Apr 23 2014

    Oh dear Fr. Archy, what a grand celebration in a brand newly renovated Church. I think this is the first time that Three Bishops come together for a Jubilee celebration in Madanthyar. Congratulations. The decorations and the people gathered show the spirit of people and it is a testimony of multiple vocations that have sprouted from this Holy Sacred Heart Church. Great celebration and wish you continued celebrations in this Jubilee year of your Ordination. God bless you.

    Fr. Rudy

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rony,Leena,Shawn & Sancia Sharjah U.A.E., AGRAR, BANTWAL

    Wed, Apr 23 2014

    Congratulations, Fr.Archie,Happy to to see the Grand celebration.May God bless you with good health and fill you with the holy spirit to carry on the God's mission throughout your life.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Carl, Madanthyar/Bahrain

    Wed, Apr 23 2014

    Congratulations, Fr.Archie, Glad to see the Grand celebration.May God shower his choicest blessings on you.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilfred J. Lewis, Matpady-Brahmavar/ New York, USA

    Wed, Apr 23 2014

    I recall visiting the sacred Heart Church of Madantyar in 1994, this church is beautiful, served by very enthusiastic parishioners, and is led by dedicated clergy ever-since its inception...

    Well composed program by the Sacred Heart Church Parishioners of Madantyar to honor Rev. Fr. Archibald Gonsalves. Long life and good luck to Rev. Gonsalves.

    Nice photography, thanks to daijiworld for this news coverage.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • R V D'Souza, Bangalore

    Wed, Apr 23 2014

    Congratulations father and to your loving parents.Pray for God's choicest blessings on you all, today and always.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilfred Tauro & Fly, Madanthyar, Dubai

    Tue, Apr 22 2014

    Dear Podorn/Modorn/Fr.Archie, Beautiful pictures and Nice coverages of your function. Once again, Congratulations to you all and May God Bless You.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stan Rodrigues, Agrar/Farla

    Tue, Apr 22 2014

    Dear Fr. Archi, congratulations and God's blessings on you and on your parents on this special occasion.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Beltangady: Grand celebrations mark Fr Archibald Gonsalves' sacerdotal jubilee



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