Mangalore Diocese News

Report & Pics : Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, Sep 23, 2023 : "Life - a Precious Gift from God" (Psalm 139:14)
 
Rev Fr  Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest of St  Lawrence  Church, Bondel celebrated his diamond birthday by celebrating mass at 6.30am with Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev. Fr Clifford Pinto, Principal Holy Redeemer English Medium School, Belthangady, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza Asst Parish Priest concelebrated the mass. A short felicitation programme was organized after the mass.
 
At 5.00 p.m. Rev Fr Andrew celebrated the evening mass with Rev Fr Ravi MSIJ concelebrating 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 &  memento on the occasion of a Diamond Birthday.

The Morning Star group under the leadership of Sr Celestine sang a beautiful song for Fr Andrew about his life & 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 a memorable one. It was a day filled with feelings of gratitude, happiness and joy. The presence and participation of the parishioners, relatives and friends was commendable. He thankfully remembered all the formators, priests, family members and companions & all the people where he served during his priestly ministry. 

Further Fr Andrew said,  “I  always believed in Mother Mary  & St Padre Pio". All his success in life was due to his strong belief in Mother Mary & 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 that throughout his 32 years of priesthood,  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 Commissions, Members of ICYM & YCS,  relatives, friends, ex-parishioners,  Sisters of all communities  were present . 

Parishioners gathered in large numbers  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”.