MATUNGA, JULY 2, 2010: July 1, 2010 was a Golden day for everyone in the campus of Don Bosco - Matunga as confreres and boys gathered to wish Rev. Fr. Richard D’Souza on the Golden jubilee anniversary of his Ordination.
Fifty years ago, after having completed his Ecclesial studies at the Sacred Heart College - Mawlai, Shillong and receiving his Ministries from Bp. Ferrando, Fr. Richard was ordained a Priest in Yercaud by Bp. Selvanathan. A few days later, on July 7, 1960 with, “In Generosity Is LOVE” as his motto and a prayer on his lips for his dearly departed father, Fr. Richard offered his first Thanksgiving Eucharist along with his loved ones in Mangalore. Ever since that day it has been a continues outpouring of his love through the Priestly hands of Fr. Richard wherever he has been – Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra .
At the Eucharistic celebration which was attended by confrere from all parts of the Province, Fr. Richard recalled the words of our Blessed Mother “The Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name”, as truly being his own. He looked back with gratitude to God for his departed loved ones, the people with whom he worked with and for, and acknowledged all who have helped him derive comfort and consolation from his priesthood. He also renewed the appeal of Pope Benedict XVI for vocations as the year of the Priesthood concluded. To all those present at the Eucharist, he expressed his gratitude in the words of Psalm 102: “My soul give thanks to the Lord, bless his Holy Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . Never forget all His blessings”.
Later that evening, our Provincial, Rev. Fr. Michael Fernandes thanked Fr. Richard for all he is to the province while regaling everyone present with long forgotten snippets from the life of Fr. Richard. The celebration, which was attended by members of the Salesian family as well as his own, was truly a joyous celebration.
This year is special for Fr. Richard for another reason as well. It also marks 60 years of his life as a Salesian. A diamond and golden jubilee year together is certainly a blessing to be grateful for. As he concluded in his homily, “God you are great, and I am grateful”.
