News: Prashanth D’Souza, Arva
Pics: Vincent Mascarenhas, Moodbidri
Sunday, June 12, 2016 was a memorable day in the history of Mangalore – Africa Mission [SMAM]. It was the thanks giving & celebration day for the people of Kifaru Parish. There was tridome of celebrations, the occasion to celebrate 25 Years of Priestly Ordination of Rev. Fr. Alwyn M J DSouza, 50 Years of Religious Life of Rev. Sr. Edleburga, UFS & 75Years of Gift of Life of Most. Rev Bishop Aloysius Paul DSouza
The day began at 09.30. am with celebration of Holy Eucharist celebrated by silver jubilarian priest Rev. Fr. Alwyn M J DSouza, His Excellency Most. Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Mangalore, India, His Excellency Most. Rev. RogathKimaryoC.S.Sp. the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Same, Tanzania, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Hilary Lobo, Rev. Fr. Victor Machado, headmaster of the school, Asst. Parish Priest Fr. Jason Lobo and many other priests concelebrated the Eucharist. Parish choir sang melodious hymns and helped the faithful to celebrate the Holy Eucharist in a meaningful way.
After wishing Fr. Alwyn; His Excellency Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza cut the cake & celebrated his Platinum birthday. It was indeed a great moment for the parishioners of Kifaru, to witness the gift of life which is full of companion, dedicated & spent in the service of Lord and for his flocks. Faithful were happy to sing & dance in celebrating birthday of the shepherd of Mangalore. Bishop Aloysius shared what he feels for the people of God and thanked him for the abundant blessings on him and on his people.
Followed by the above celebrations, Rev. Sr. Edleburga UFS, cut the cake & celebrated her Golden Jubilee of her religious life. Many Ursuline sisters were present on this occasion. Parishioners wished her with songs, dance & gifts. Sister appeared joyful with gratefulness. She thanked everyone for the day.
His Excellency Most Rev. RogathKimaryo C.S.Sp. the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Same, Tanzania wished all jubilarians and presented gifts. In his concluding speech addressed to the faithful of Kifaru he said; I am happy to be here today. The presence of Mangalore priests in Kifaru has brought joy to the people of my diocese especially at Kifaru parish. I am happy to see the developments and growth of the parish and its people. He expressed his gratitude &thanked His Excellency Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza for the contribution to the diocese of SAME through his priests from Mangalore.
Mr. Bonaventura Maro, chairman of the parish council proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Wilhard Maro & Ms. Debora Lagua compared the program. At the end all were served with community meal. Parish Council & parishioners looked after all the arrangements;sisters of Marian Convent decorated the church, also were cooperative in systematic & smooth running of the program. Parish priest Fr. Hilary Lobo & Asst. Parish Priest Fr. Jason Lobo worked for the success of this program,
400 people were present for the program.
