News & Photos: Br Gleron Quadros
June 22: The Brothers of the Department of Theology celebrated the twin feast of their patron, St Aloysius Gonzaga and the birthday of Most Rev. Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore on Friday, 21 June, 2019 with great vigour and joy.
The feast was all the more special this time around as the birthday celebrant Bp Aloysius was with us. The celebrations began with Solemn Vespers, led by Dn Michael on Thursday evening and then the Solemn Mass celebrated by Bp Aloysius. He delivered a thought provoking homily reflecting on the life of the saint of the day, St Aloysius Gonzaga.
This was followed by a cake cutting ceremony by the birthday celebrant and the inauguration of the Wall Board Magazine, ‘Missionary Board’. Vicar General of Mangalore Msgr Maxim Noronha added colour and further joy with his presence during the celebrations. The celebrations didn’t quite end there as the brothers of the Department of Theology, under the guidance of Fr Maxim D’Souza, their Human Formation Director and Fr Milton Jacob, their Moderator, hosted a sumptuous, entertaining and awe-inspiring cultural evening with a variety of stage performances, including a skit, dances, comic act and meaningful short film named ‘Dry- the scarcity of water’.
Rev. Fr Jerome, the Spiritual Director and the Chief Guest of the evening appreciated the program put up by the brothers and adjured the gathering to draw inspiration from St Aloysius and serve the society without counting the cost. The Rector Rev Fr Ronald Serrao, appreciated the effort of the brothers and congratulated them. After the vote of thanks proposed by Br Mario Fernandes, the program concluded with Night prayers led by Br Vincent Fernandes. In attendance were Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Fr Melvin SJ the Superior of Fathima Retreat House, Fr J.B. Saldanha, Parish Priest, St Sebastian Church, Permannur, the Teaching Faculty of the Seminary and the students.
