Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Apr 30: The golden jubilee year celebrations of St Joseph Worker Church, Neermarga culminated with a thanksgiving mass and valedictory ceremony on Monday, April 30.
“This parish in its span of 50 years has given the diocese many priests and nuns, who are serving to make the community better. In one word, this parish is a cradle of divine vocation,” said Archbishop of Calcutta Dr Thomas D’Souza who attended the concluding ceremony as chief guest.
“This is my parish and I know it very well. Majority of the parishioners consist of farmers and hard working people. They have strived to give their children good education, who today have excelled in different fields,” he said and congratulated the parishioners for their service.
“Jubilees always help us remember the history and dream for future. Today with the celebration of 50 years, you the parishioners of Neermarga church have gathered here to say thanks to almighty and recollect the olden memories. I congratulate you all for this wonderful day. 50 years is not a long term. So it is easy to recollect the efforts which were put in to build a strong and faithful parish. The former priests gave a good leadership to build a faithful community here in Neermarga. Same time we cannot forget the leadership of lay people,” said Mangaluru Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza presiding over the programme.
The Bishop also appreciated the jubilee committee for felicitating and acknowledging every person who has offered service and leadership to the community. He also thanked parish priest Fr Anil for his service towards the community.
“The jubilee celebration should not be limited to a single day. The celebrations and festive spirit should continue every day. This golden celebration should continue to become platinum and diamonds,” said Fr Victor Machado, Vicar Forane of Mangaluru city Deanery.
He advised the parishioners to not forget their roots when they fly high.
Sr Flory D Souza Provincial Superior, Holy Cross Congregation, M P Noronha, Secretary, Diocesan Parish Council, Fr Anil D’Mello, Parish Priest, Prakash Pereira , Vice President, Parish Council, Jerald Lobo , Secretary were present on the dais.
Fr James D Souza, Parish Priest, Vamanjoor church, Former Parish Priests of Neermarga Church, Fr Valerian Frank , Fr Godfrey Elias Saldanha, Fr Victor D Souza were felicitated by Bishop.
Sr Neeta Alva and Sr Mary of Holy Cross Convent Neermarga were felicitated by guests for their socio-religious contributions towards the parish.
Arun D’Souza, Convenor of Jubilee Committee welcomed the gathering and Prasad Vas compered the event.