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Bantwal, Feb 2, 2021 : 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.

Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, emeritus bishop of Mangalore diocese, celebrated the special mass on the occasion of the 80th birthday of Benjamin D'Souza from Salethur, a parishioner of Nithyadar Church, Salethur. Benjamin offered selfless services to the local church which now has almost 128 families.

The bishop recalled how Benjamin worked hard to have a church in Salethur. He appreciated his keen interest and dedicated service which he rendered to the people of Salethur and highlighted how he took care of the spiritual need of the Catholics in the place of the parish priest. Because of his generous and selfless service, Dr Alyosius Paul D'Souza, said he is a 'Salethur Padri'.

In his homily, Fr Maxim Rosario, a estate manager of the diocese of Mangalore invited us to reflect the three aspects of the blessings that are received by Benjamin 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.

Fr Remegius Aranha, resident priest of St Antony Vienne Home, Mangaluru, Fr. Peter Aranha, the parish priest of Venur, and Fr Henry D'Souza, parish priest of Salethur were the co-celebrants.

After the holy mass, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza felicitated Benjamin D'Souza for his notable services rendered for the Catholic community of Salethur. Fr Remegius Aranha, who rendered his service as a parish priest at Mogarnad Church and the substation of Salethur recalled Benjamin’s hard labour who took full responsibility for the entire Salethur Church thanked him for all his selfless services during his time. Benjamin collaborated wholeheartedly in his ministry the bishop said that he was like an assistant parish priest who fulfilled his entrusted mission. Sr Mary D'Souza was on the dais.

About Benjamin D'Souza:

Benjamin D'Souza, 80 years old, a resident of Salethur served as a ward member in Kolnadu panchayat. He also rendered his service as a director in L D Bank, Bantwal.

Until 1977, the Catholics of Salethur belonged to Mother of God Church, Mogarnad which is 13 km away from Salethur. Since there was no public transportation they found it difficult to travel to Mogarnad parish to fulfill all their spiritual needs. Having understood all the difficulties, struggles, Benjamin D'Souza took a keen interest to strengthen the faith of the people, requesting the late Dr Basil Salvadore D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore 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. Benjamin D'Souza, took the lead to construct the building and now it has become an independent parish with 128 families. He served as 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 layperson Benjamin has done a wonderful job which has to be admired and one has to be thankful to God.

Sr Mary D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks and Jennifer D Souza compered the programme.