From Our Special Correspondent
Pics: Joseph C V
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Dec 7: “I have done my best without counting the cost to me,’’ said a deeply emotional Archbishop Most Rev Dr Bernard Moras, while gratefully acknowledging the prayers, good wishes of his fellow prelates, religious, faithful and congratulatory messages from Church and political leaders at a heart-warming function to celebrate his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee Celebrations in Bengaluru on Wednesday night.
The Archbishop along with a dozen Archbishops, Bishops and priests concelebrated a Thanksgiving Eucharistic Mass on the portals of the St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, which was attended by a large number of priests, nuns and faithful as well as his close relatives to mark the completion of 50 years of priesthood since his ordination in the Mangalore Diocese on December 6, 1967, which incidentally was also a Wednesday.
Bishop S Singorayan of Salem Diocese, who is also the Chairman of the St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bengaluru, in his homily on the gospel readings for the mass, spoke on the importance of priestly ministry as was preached, practiced and instituted by Jesus Christ.
“Christ asked all his followers to a life of rendering exemplary service filled with humility and love,’’ Bishop Singorayan said and pointed out that all faithful, including the ordained priests, who followed the example of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples despite being their teacher and preacher so that they too did likewise belonged to the priestly class as propounded by the Second Vatican Council.
Archbishop Bernard Moras, who had the rare privilege of completing 50 years of his priesthood, literally followed Christ’s example in all his work and service to humanity with love, humility and compassion and thereby helped in bringing a change in the lives of all he served or worked with, the Bishop said and mentioned that it was possible because of the grace of God and abiding desire to follow Christ’s teachings and example.His ministry helped people to bring about change in their personality, attitude and approach to life among others and was fruitful, the Bishop observed.
“The world sees serving others as different and ‘that is not for me.’The approach and attitude of Jesus was different and we need to have the same mind-set of Jesus. We are called to do priestly service. If we do not have Jesus’ mentality, we cannot serve others. We are called to serve others with humility. Jesus became humble. Serving with command is easier than serving with humility,’’ he said, adding: ``Jesus loved his disciples and washed their feet. All are called to serve with love, not so much with respect.’’
“The third aspect of service is to be exemplary. The service one should bring forth change in people. It was disgusting for Peter to let Jesus wash his feet. But Jesus refused Peter’s request and did it. This brought about a great change in Peter. The disciples had arguments among themselves as to who was the greatest. We also need to bring about fruitful changes in people,’’ he said and pointed out that Archbishop Moras did exactly this.
“Many people were touched by his fruitful ministry. He made changes in the lives of many people through his service. Our service should leave an example to others. If I (Jesus), a teacher could do it, you also should be able to do it. So that it touches and changes the lives of others. The Jubilee is to be a moment of what is expected of everyone to do,’’ he said.
The other concelebrants at the mass were Archbishops of Nagpur, Bhopal, Madras-Myalapur and Bishops from several dioceses in Karnataka along with scores of priests, who included Msgr Jayananathan, C Francis and A S Anothonyswamy of the Archdiocese of Bangalore.
Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo was among the faithful who took part in the Eucharistic Mass from the beginning, MLA N A Harris, Ivan D’Souza, MLC and Government Chief Whip in the Council, Home Minister B Ramalinga Reddy and Bengaluru Development Minister K J George as well as senior police officers and top bureaucrats were among the prominent persons who joined the felicitation programme held soon after the mass.
Archbishop Bernard Moras, while replying to the warm felicitation accorded to him, said he derived “immense joy and satisfaction’’ in all the challenging assignments that he held and acknowledged the support, encouragement and goodwill extended to him throughout his life.
He particularly mentioned his parents, family members and Fr John Pinto, the parish priest of his Kuppepadavu parish, who had encouraged him and the then Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Raymond D’Mello, who was instrumental in his joining the St Joseph’s Seminary in Mangalore for his priestly studies and Bishop Basil S D’Souza, who ordained him.
Bengaluru Development Minister K J George described the Archbishop as a “guide, philosopher and mentor, who served all sections of society without any discrimination of caste, religion or status.’’
George also was full of praise for Archbishop for his tireless and dedicated service to people during the last 50 years and wished him good health and many more years of service to people. He also wished the Archbishop on behalf of the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Bishop Anthony Kariyil of Mandya Diocese said he had several occasions to interact with Archbishop Moras and said he had blessed the Bishop’s House and the priests of the archdiocese cooperated with the priests of Mandya diocese in several ways. Archbishop Moras was always helpful and was an inspiration, he said.
CSI Bishop also extended greetings to Archbishop Moras.
The Archbishop, who cut a cake to mark his sacerdotal golden jubilee, also laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Community Hall of St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. He also released the Bangalore Archdiocesan Pastoral Hand Book.A video clipping depicting various stages of life from his younger days and his engagements after ordination was screened to the public.
Earlier, Fr Anthonyswamy, Chancellor and Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier Cathedral, welcomed all the bishops, dignitaries and others. He thanked God for 50 years of priesthood of Archbishop Moras, who he said ``is a pastor with courage and conviction. His care and concern for the flock is well known. He is a beacon of light. He is a consolation to those in trouble and difficulties. He has served 50 years faithfully and fruitfully.’’
Msgr Jayanathan and Msgr C Francis read out messages from Pope, Vatican Prefect of the Congregation of Faith, Cardinals, Governor of Karnataka, president and vice president of CBCI, Methodist Bishop, Bishop of Believers’ church, Malankara Syrian Church and many others.
Msgr Jayanathan also presented a brief background of Archbishop, his studies, academics and other aspects of life. Several felicitations were read out by various language groups. He was presented with gifts and bouquets by various people since morning. Both Vicars General and Chancellor presented him with a citation, garlands and Peta (traditional cap).
All the bishops were also honoured with shawls and garlands. Bishop Antony Kariyil felicitating the Archbishop Fr Xavier E Manavath, Episcopal Vicar for Religious, felicitated Dr Moras on behalf of himself, priests, Religious and the lay faithful.
Kantharaj compered the programme. Msgr C Francis proposed a vote thanks.