Benjamin is a good Samaritan of Salethur Parish – Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza
It is rightly said by James A. Forbes that a good Samaritan is not simply one whose heart is touched in immediate care and charity, but one who provides a system of sustained care.
Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Emeritus Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese, who celebrated the special mass on the occasion of 80th birthday of Mr. Benjamin D Souza, Salethur called upon the parishioners of Nithyadar Church, Salethur to follow his life and the selfless services given to the local church which is having now almost 128 families. Bishop recalled how Mr. Benjamin worked hard to have a Church in Salethur. He appreciated his keen interest and dedicated service which he has rendered for the people of Salethur and highlighted how he has taken care of the spiritual need of the Catholics in the place of Parish Priest. Because of his generous and selfless service, Most Rev. Dr. Alyosius Paul D Souza, said he is a “Salethur Padri”.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Maxim Rosario, Real-Estate Manager, Diocese of Mangaluru invited us to reflected the three aspects of the blessings that received by Mr. Bejamin from God, the services rendered to the Parish community and thirdly, the support and collaboration received by the Parishioners. He also said that he is a “modern prophet” who strengthened the faith of the people and always lived the values of Christ. Rev. Fr. Remegius Aranha, resident Priest of St. Antony Vienne Home, Mangaluru, Rev. Fr. Peter Aranha, the Parish Priest of Venur, and Rev. Fr. Henry D Souza, Parish Priest of Salethur were the co-celebrants.
After the holy mass,Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, felicitated Mr. Benjamin D Souza for his notable services rendered for the Catholic community of Salethur. Rev. Fr. Remegius Aranha, who rendered his service as a Parish Priest at Mogarnad Church and the substation of Salethur recalled Mr. Benjamin’s hard labour and who was taking full responsibility of the entire Salethur Church. Thanked him for all his selfless services during his time and who collaborated wholeheartedly in his ministry and he said that he was like an “assistant parish priest” to fulfill his entrusted mission. Sr. Mary D Souza was on the dais.
About Mr. Benjamin D Souza:
Mr. Benjamin D Souza, 80 years old, a resident ofSalethurserved as a Ward Member in Kolnadu Panchayat. He also rendered his service as Director in L.D. Bank, Bantwal.
Till 1977, the Catholic people of Salethurwere belonging to the Mother of God Church, Mogarnad which 13 kms far-away from Salethur. Since there was no public transportation the Catholics were findingdifficult to travel to Mogarnad Parish to fulfill all their spiritual needs. Having understood all the difficulties, struggles, Mr. Benjamin D Souza took keen interest to strengthen the faith of the people, he went and requested with late Most Rev. Dr. Basil Salvadore D Souza, Bishop of Mangaluruand pleaded him to start a substation at Salethur. Considering the request and understanding the spiritual requirements, he granted permission to have a substation in Salethur in 1977. Mr.Benjamin D Souza, took the lead to construct the building and now it has become an independent Parish with 128 families. He served as a Gurkar of Salethur Church for almost 34 years. His service is remarkable and he is a role model to the Catholic community of Salethur.
As a lay person he has done a wonderful job which all has to be admired and be thankful to God.
Sr. Mary D Souza proposed vote of thanks and Ms. Jennifer D Souza compeered the programme.