Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 19: ‘Celebration of Life’, a get together of about 225 senior priests and religious was held on March 16 at Fatima Retreat House, Jeppu. The event was perhaps the first of its kind and was organised by Fr Melwin Pinto, director Fatima Retreat House along with a few ‘People of Goodwill’. The objective of the programme was that of expressing gratitude to men and women who have dedicated their lives in selfless service of God and humankind in various capacities. Fr Melwin said further that he and his team would like to assure the seniors of recognition, support and accompaniment in their retired life and evening years.
At the very outset, Sr Suchitha UFS struck the right note to commence the celebration with prayer. This was followed by the Lighting of the Lamp by Dr Thangam Varghese, eminent plastic surgeon of Mangaluru, the chief guest, Fr Jerome Stanislaus D'Souza, SJ, Provincial Superior, Karnataka Jesuit Province, Fr Joseph Martis, Rector, St Joseph's Seminary, Mangaluru, Professor Edmund Frank, a philanthropist, Founder and Trustee of the Sylvester and Tressy Frank Foundation, Fr Maxim Rasquinha SJ, Sr Eva BS, and Phyllis Maria D'Costa , Director UXCEL.
Dr Thangam Varghese, set the ball rolling with her message on the topic, ‘Secrets of Successful Ageing’. She said that ‘success’ means different things to different people at different times. She elucidated on the deeper meaning of success quoting the words of Grantland Rice, the great American sportswriter who said, "For when the one great scorer comes to write against your name, he marks not that you won or lost, but how you played the game".
Along with talks, the organisers introduced some physical exercise too. ‘Yoga for Good Health’ was a brief session of yoga exercises conducted by Veena Srinivas. ‘Ageing - A Gift and A Task’, was the topic dealt with by Fr Joseph Martis. With noticeable devotion he spoke about two saints - St Mother Teresa, St Pope John Paul II, along with Pope Francis, who, in spite of getting on in years, achieved a lot even in their twilight years. He further said that he was often struck by the positive attitude of some elders whom he meets often. He said that such persons will always be happy and find life meaningful. Fr Martis motivated the participants telling them that a broken candle can still give light, so even if one is old or broken with age one can still give light to the world! Fr Martis also spoke about physical senses - eyes, ears, energy, declining during the evening of life.
A lively entertainment programme was also part of the Agenda for the day, carried out by a group of young men and women belonging to Campus Crusaders and UXCEL. They enacted a skit and Gayle Rodrigues performed a Konkani folk dance which helped the participants to reminisce about their younger days. The highlight of the entertainment programme was a mono-act by young Allen Rasquinha, the great-grand nephew of Fr Denis Rasquinha who said he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his great-grand uncle and enacted the role of a priest, saying further that he wanted to become a bishop, a cardinal and finally even pope, much to the delighted applause of the participants. Allen was assisted by his little sister Lisa.
Another unique feature of the Celebration of Life was the unveiling by Fr Jerome Stanislaus D 'Souza of the portrait of ‘The Smiling Christ of Javier’ which is to be found in the castle of St Francis Xavier, Navarra, Spain. Each participant received a laminated copy of the portrait as a memento.
In his presidential address Fr Stany heartily appreciated the work done by the religious for the Lord, for the church. He used a catchy statement saying that the religious are the ‘Force of the Church’ and also the ‘Face of the Church’. We have to reflect on "What 'face' do we show to the world?" He exhorted the participants to be more human as well as more divine because that is what the world expects from them today.
Prof Edmund Frank appreciated the contribution made by priests and nuns throughout their lives for the betterment of society, and even in their twilight years. He expressed his appreciation to the participants for taking the trouble to be present for the celebration.
Phyllis Maria D'Costa, then read out a citation, written in the form of a poem, in her inimitable style, which was to be presented to Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop Emeritus at the celebration. Due to unavoidable circumstances he could not be present. She paid rich tributes to the great and noble service done by the bishop to the diocese of Mangaluru and beyond.