News by : Fr Nelson Pais
Photos by: Roshan Mogarnad
Mangaluru, Jan 25, 2016 : It was a memorable day in the life of Fr Mathias Pereira. On January 20th, he had completed 75 years of his life and the parishioners of Mogarnad under the able leadership of Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais had arranged a thanksgiving Mass and a felicitation programme to honour the Jubilarian in a very grand manner on Sunday, January 24th.
Fr Mathias celebrated the mass and thanked God for all the choicest blessings throughout these 75 years. Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangaluru, Fr Mathias’ batchmates (companions) – Fr Wilson L. V. D’Souza, Parish Priest of Bejai, Fr Lawrence Rodrigues, Parish Priest of Yermal – concelebrated the mass. Fr Franklin D’Souza broke the Word of God. Around 60 priests of Mangaluru diocese and Udupi attended the Eucharistic Celebration.
Soon after the Mass, the stage was set for the felicitation ceremony. The felicitation programme was presided over by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore diocese, Veronica Vas, the sister of Fr Mathias, Fr Eric Crasta, Parish Priest of Vittal, Fr Nelso D’Almeida, the Parish Priest of Jeppu, Sr Lucy Gretta the superior of convent in Mogarnad, Fr Austine Fernandes, Fr Nelson Pais, the assistant parish priest, Mark D’Souza, Edwin Suvares, vice president and secretary of parish pastoral parishad.
The programme began with a prayer dance by the parish children. Mark D’Souza welcomed the guest and parishioners. Fr Mathias Pereira along with the bishop set in motion the Platinum Jubilee balloons with festal joy. Fr Mathias celebrated the joy of the jubilee by cutting the cake and the choir sang a cheering song.
Fr Nelson D’Almeida raised the toast on this occasion.
Edwin Suvares read the letter of honour and it was presented to Fr Pereira on behalf of the parish community by the vice president and secretary, while the bishop honoured Fr Mathias Pereira.
A documentary on Fr Mathias Pereira’s life was aired to the gathering. The president of the programme, Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza addressed the gathering. All the guests and parishioners greeted Fr Mathias with floral bouquets.
For the remembrance of this auspicious day an education fund for poor students was launched by Fr Mathias Pereira and shared his loving thoughts to the parishioners and guests.
Fr Nelson Pais proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Peter Serrao prayed over the food and the food was served to all the gathered. The entire programme was compered by Noel Lobo. The programme turned out to be a great success due to the combined efforts of the various Committees, their respective in-charges and the guidance of Fr Nelson Pais. About 1,500 people were a part of this programme.
