Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, St Lawrence Church-Bondel, celebrates 60 years of life
“Life: a Precious Gift from God” (Psalm 139:14)
Mangaluru: Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, celebrated his diamond birthday by celebrating mass at 6.30am , Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev. Fr Clifford Pinto,principal of Holy Redeemer English Medium School, Belthangady, and Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza, Asst. parish Priest concelebrated the mass.
A short felicitation programme was organized after 6:30 a.m.
At 5:00 p.m., Rev. Fr Andrew celebrated the evening mass, and Rev. Fr Ravi MSIJ concelebrated the mass.
Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Rev. Fr Lancy D’Souza, Mr John D’Silva, Vice President PPC, Mr Santhosh Misquith Secretary felicitated Fr Andrew with a shawl, flowers, and a memento on the occasion of a Diamond Birthday.
The Moring Star group, under the leadership of Sr Celestine, sang a beautiful song for Fr Andrew about his life and his priestly mission.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Rev. Fr Andrew expressed his sentiments of gratitude to all those who helped to make the Diamond Birthday Celebrations memorable. It was a day filled with feelings of gratitude, happiness, and joy. The presence and participation of the parishioners, relatives, and friends were commendable. He thankfully remembered all the formatters, priests, family members, companions, and people with whom he served during his priestly ministry. Further, he said, “I always believed in Mother Mary and St. Padre Pio. All his success in life was due to his strong belief in Mother Mary and Padre Pio, and he continued to trust both of them.
Seeing all of you gathered here, there are so many different memories from different parts of my life all through the years, and isn’t that the gift that God creates for each of us to be connected to one another on this journey of life,” .
Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, addressing the gathering, said, Throughout his 32 years of priesthood life, Fr Andrew has dedicated his life to others. Fr Andrew has gone beyond his limits in doing great things for the Catholic community and the faithful.
Parish Pastoral Council members, Ward Gurkars, conveners of all Ayogs, members of ICYM and YCS, relatives, friends-ex-parishioners, and sisters of all communities were present.
Parishioners gathered in a big no to wish their dear parish priest. Mr Manohar Concessao compered the programme.
Let us pray that God may grant Rev. Fr Andrew good health and peace of mind for the rest of his life and St. Lawrence intercede for him and keep him under his paternal love. “Ad Multos Annos”.
Pics & Report:Meena Serrao Barboza
