by Father Leon Rodrigues
MUMBAI, JAN 15, 2018: The Salesian province of Bombay gathered around its confreres, on January 13, as three priests celebrated 50 years of Religious Profession, three priests celebrated twenty-five years of Ordination and nine priests marked 25 years of Religious Profession.
Father Lawrence D'Souza, Father Nelson Carvalho and Father Orville Coutinho marked 50 year of Religious Profession. Father Crispino D'Souza, Father Tony Pinto and Father Cyril D'Souza celebrated 25 years since their Ordination. Father Anthony Fonseca, Father Anton D'Souza, Father Dominic Martis, Father Joaquim Fernandes, Father Vishwas Pereira, Father Lester Fernandes, Father Pravin Makwana, Father Sanjay Lopes and Father Valeria Pereira celebrated twenty-five years of Religious Profession.
The evening began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Shrine of Don Bosco's Madonna, Matunga presided by Father Carvalho. In his homily, Father D'Souza helped the confreres understand the 'why' of the celebration. He stated that the celebration was more than just a festive 'gala' where one just focussed on the exteriors. He said that all were called to remember the day, adding that all confreres are one family and belong to one another.
Father D'Souza reflected on the Gospel of the Wedding Feast of Cana, and reminded the jubilarians that they were called to have a tender devotion to our Blessed Mother and that they were also called to take time to 'make known Her Son' through the varied apostolates in the province. He helped the jubilarians to realise that they are nothing without the Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. He added, that the real celebration of the day was to rejoice at experiencing the love of God, the Father.
During the agape meal that followed the holy Eucharist, the jubilarians were felicitated with citations. Father Godfrey D'Souza, the Provincial, in his speech, made it known to the jubilarians that they are much loved and appreciated. He thanked them for being faith labourers in God's vineyard. He reminded them that it has always been the Lord who has nurtured, protected, guided and led them in their Salesian vocation. He asked them to continue rendering their wonderful service to the province. On behalf of the jubilarians, Father Lester Fernandes thanked the gathering for their love and appreciation.