Bangalore Archdiocese

Media Release

New Town Bhadravati, June 3, 2024 : Faithful of Our Lady of Mary Immaculate Church, Bhadravati celebrated their Parish Priest Rev. Fr Lancy Bartholomew D'Souza's Silver Jubilee on June 2nd.

On June 2nd at 5:30pm Rev. Fr Lancy Bartholomew D'Souza celebrated thanksgiving Holy Eucharist together with Silver Jubilarians Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza and Rev. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque. Msr Felix Joseph Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese of Shimoga, Rev. Fr Stany D'Souza, Dean of Carmel Deanery as well as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga were present. Clergy of the Diocese concelebrated the Holy Eucharist.

Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga was present on the occasion. He also preached a homily based on the theme of Body and Blood of Christ. He explained in his homily how to be faithful to the call and mission given by Jesus. The role of a priest is to accompany the faithful in their spiritual journey. "Today we have gathered in gratitude to thank the Lord for his marvellous blessings for the Silver Jubilarian in his Priestly Journey", said the bishop. A large number of Religious Sisters and faithful were present for the thanksgiving Holy Eucharist.

Rev. Fr Santhosh Pereira, was the Emcee for the Holy Eucharist.

After the Mass a felicitation program was organised by the faithful of New Town Bhadravati in the open ground. Rev. Fr Vinuth Balu Kumar, Assistant Parish Priest of St. Anthony's Church, Ragigudda, Shivamogga led the felicitatory program.

Together with Jubilarian Fr Lancy Bartholomew D'Souza, Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Jubilarians classmates Fr Franklin D'Souza, Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque and From the family, Mr. Oswald D'Souza, Brother of Fr Lancy D'Souza and Sr. Jyothi D'Souza, Sister of Fr Lancy D'Souza were on the dais.

Parishioner Mr. Anthony Wilson welcomed the gathering. Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza spoke felicitatory words from his heart, for Fr Lancy D'Souza. He narrated the Priestly Journey and dedication of Fr Lancy Bartholomew D'Souza. He said that his simplicity, serenity, humility and sincerity in his personal as well as in his mission has inspired many. His deep faith and Prayer life as well as love for the Word of God is praise worthy. He thanked his family for inculcating values and ethics in his life. He appreciated his passion in serving the poor and downtrodden.

Then Fr Stephen Albuquerque and Fr Franklin D'Souza felicitated Fr Lancy D'Souza.

On behalf of the Parishioners Parish Pastoral Council Secretary Mr. Wilson read felicitatory words and then Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Finance Council and Parishioners felicitated Fr Lancy Bartholomeo D'Souza with a Shawl, garland, Peta and a gift on behalf of the Parishioners. His family members also honoured Fr Lancy D'Souza.

Parishioners also felicitated Fr Franklin D'Souza and Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque as they celebrated their Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee. Then PPC members and PFC members honoured them with a Shawl, garland, Peta, with a momento and a gift.

Parishioners also celebrated the Decennial Episcopal Consecration of Bishop Francis Serrao SJ by cake cutting. Mrs. Gracy Thomson read the felicitatory words for the Bishop and then they honoured him with a Shawl, garland and a Peta.

In his message Bishop Francis Serrao SJ congratulated Rev. Fr Lancy Bartholomeo D'Souza for his dedicated services to the Diocese of Shimoga. He appreciated his services as Dean of Holy Family Deanery, Parish Priest of Chitradurga the way he brought the Parish as its pastor as well as the all round development he did there. And now with his services at New Town Bhadravati as its Pastor he has built up the community in faith and Prayer.

He also thanked his Father late Felix D'Souza and his Mother late Florine D'Souza and his siblings for giving a great gift to the Diocese of Shimoga in the person of Fr Lancy Bartholomeo D'Souza. He also thanked Parishioners for felicitating him on his Decennial Episcopal Consecration as Bishop. He asked them to pray for him too.

Fr Lancy D'Souza in his address thanked Rev. Fr Santhosh Pereira, Rector of Minor Seminary for being with him and his family for helping them to organise the program.

He thanked PPC and PFC, SVP and all other associations of the Parish for their selfless involvement. He thanked God for his abundance of grace that he experienced in his life. He appreciated parishioners for their love for priests and for the Diocese. He thanked everyone for making his day.

Ms. Helen Smitha proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque led the grace before the meals.

Rev. Fr Lancy Bartholomeo D'Souza hails from Holy Spirit Church, Sampige, Moodbidre, Diocese of Mangalore. He was born on August 24,1970. He is the Eight son of Late Mr. Felix D'Souza and Mrs. Florine D'Souza. Among Ten children in the family, Four are religious sisters and two are Priests.

He had his primary education from Government School, Kallamundkur. He completed High school at Sarvodaya School Kallamundkur. He did his PUC at Pompei Junior College, Kirem, Kinnigoli.

In 1990 he joined the Diocese of Shimoga. 1990 to 1991 he did his one year Minor Seminary at St. Mary's Minor Seminary, Bannimantap, Mysore. From 1991 to 1994 he did his Philosophy in St. Peter's Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru. Same time he completed his Bachelor in Arts at Bangalore University.

From 1994 to 1995 he did his regency at St. Joseph's Church, Sagara, Shivamogga.

From 1995 to 1998 he completed his Theology at St. Peter's Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru. After completing his formation at St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru he was ordained as Deacon in 1998. He served as a Deacon at Our Lady of Vailankanni Church, Old Town, Bhadravati.

He was ordained together with Fr Franklin D'Souza on May 10th, 1999 by Most Rev. Dr Bernard Moras, then Bishop of Diocese of Belgaum at St. Ignatius Loyola, Church, Paladka.

Fr. Lancy's service at different places : 

• After his Ordination he Served at Bishop's House as Secretary from 1999 to 2000.
• From 2000 to 2001, as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Victories Church, Nagara, Hosanagara Taluk.
• From 2001 to 2004, as Mission Director of Infant Jesus Church, Challakere.
• From 2004 to 2010, as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Kargal near Jogfalls.
• From 2010 to 2015, as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Malur near Tirthahalli.
• From 2015 to 2021 Parish Priest of Holy Family Church, Chitradurga
• From 2021 onwards he is serving as Parish Priest of Mary Immaculate Church, New Town, Bhadravati.

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