Udupi : The Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee of Rev. Fr Denis D'Sa, the PRO of Udupi Diocese and the Parish Priest of St Antony Church, Kuntalnagar was celebrated with a solemn thanksgiving Holy Eucharist at his native parish Mount Rosary Church, Kallianpur on Sunday, 28th June, 2015. Fr Denis D'Sa along with Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Henry D’souza, the Bishop of Bellery Diocese and Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, the Bishop of Belagavi Diocese and more than 60 priests, thanked the good Lord for the numerous blessings he has received during the last 25 years of his priesthood. V.Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Rector of St Joseph Seminarey, preached a meaningful homily on priesthood. Her said that the church is in dire need of vocations today and we need to pray for the same. He also said that occasions like these will definietly promote vocations to religious life.
The solemn Eucharistic Celebration was followed by a Felicitation programme in the Milagres Tri-centenary Hall, Kallianpur. The programme began with a prayer dance by the students of Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, Mangalore. Mrs Mary D'Sa, the beloved mother of Fr Denis D'Sa, who was also the host along with her children, extended a cordial welcome to all the dignitaries and the guests. Rev. Fr Clement Mascarenhas, the Parish Priest of St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, raised the toast and hailed the qualities of head and heart of Rev. Fr Denis. Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Most Rev. Dr Henry D'Souza, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado recalled their association with Fr Denis and appreciated his commitment to the church and to his vocation. They all wished him well. Rev. Fr Philip Nery Aranha the parish priest of Mount Rosary Church, felicitated Fr D'Sa on behalf of the parishioners. Along with Fr D'Sa, five of his batchmates (Rev. Msgr. Stany Lobo, Vicar General of Gulbarga Diocese, Rev. Dr. J. B. Saldanha, Rev. Fr Eric Crasta, Rev. Fr Stany Rodrigues, and and Rev. Fr Ivan Madtha of Mangalore Diocese) were also felicitated by Bishop Peter Machado.
Fr Denis D'sa in his message said that God has been very kind and generous to him all through his life. He said "Whatever I am today, it is because of my Priesthood. The Church and the society has given me the best and I will strive to give the best to the Church and Society." He thanked his mother and his siblings for all that they have been to him. He thanked all his well wishers who had come from far and near for the program.
Mr Vinay Kumar Sorake, hon'ble minister for Urban Development and District in-charge minister, Mr J R Lobo, MLA of Mangaluru and Mr Ivan D'souza, MLC, of Government of Karnataka felicitated Fr Denis D'sa. It was a well organised program.
Mr Vincent Alva, Pamboor compered the programme.
