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Udupi, July 13 : Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur of Udupi diocese celebrated Sacerdotal Ruby Jubilee of Rector of the Cathedral, Dean of Kallianpur Deanery and Vicar General of the diocese Very Rev Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves and Parish Community day with grandeur on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

The thanksgiving mass was presided by Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese and con-celebrated by Jubilant Very Rev Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Very Rev Fr. Stephan D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi diocese, Very Rev Fr. Charles Menezes, Dean of Udupi and parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, Rev Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, Asst parish priest, Anugraha priests, Pilar Fathers, Milar retired priests, guest priests from Mangaluru diocese and Udupi diocese.

In his beautiful homily, seminarian friend and former asst. priest of Milagres Church Rev Fr Basil Vas pointed out about good Samaritans. This thanksgiving mass is God’s day for Msgr Ferdinand for services of the God in his long forty years. His simplicity, faithfulness, obedience and prayer leads us to a good Samaritan in his priest career. Love your neighbor as yourself, Jesus was asked to confirm what he meant by word neighbor. This is when he told the Parable of the Good Samaritan to explain that people should love everyone. Fr Basil Vas said the priest is not a single person. Christ has always been with a priest to serve Him along with people.

At the end Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves gave gratitude to the Bishop, priests and others concerned for the celebration of his Sacerdotal Ruby Jubilee. Fr. Pradeep Cardoza placed the weekly announcements of the Cathedral.

Followed by, a formal felicitation programme and parish community day celebrations was organized by Parish Pastoral committee and parishioners at Milagres Tri Centenary Hall. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo presided over the dual programme.

On the dais Bishop Gerald, Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Very Rev Fr. Stephen D’Souza, Very Rev Fr. Roshan D’Souza, Judicial Vicar of Diocese and parish priest of Pamboor Church, Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Melwyn Sequiera Vice President and Eugene Rebello Secretary of parish pastoral council, Prema Lewis Coordinator of parish pastoral Commissions, Clifford Gonsalves Brother of Msgr Ferdinand and Jacentha Lewis Convener.

Melwyn Sequiera welcomed the gathering and Eugene Rebello placed the brief report of the parish for the year. Msgr Ferdinand cut a Ruby Jubilee cake during the occasion. Rev Fr Victor D’Souza of Modankaup parish of Mangaluru diocese raised the toast for his friend Msgr Ferdinand.

Fr Pradeep Cardoza read out the citation on Msgr Ferdinand. Bishop Gerald and all on the dais felicitated Msgr Ferdinand with Shawl, fresh fruits, memento, citation and huge bouquet of flowers.

Msgr Ferdinand thanked God for the precious gift of life and for the gift of 40 years of Priesthood. He thanked God for the blessings he received from three Bishops like late Bishop Basil Salvadore D’Souza, Bishop Aloysius Paul Dsouza and presently Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo. He also thanked his loving family, relatives and others. He also briefly talked about his duties and responsibilities at various places, churches and institutions. He gave gratitude to parish pastoral council office bearers and members to organize this felicitation programme. He also gave gratitude to parishioners to make this event a memorable one.

In his presiding address, Bishop Gerald appreciates Monsignor for his valuable services to the church and institutions. He said Msgr is the person of prayer. He loves to pray in his life every now and then. Secondly, Msgr loves to serve the people with compassion and love. Hence, people everywhere like Monsignor Ferdinand in his priesthood life in three dioceses where he served. He served God with his mission of love and faithfulness.

Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo congratulated Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves and felicitated on behalf of the Diocese of Udupi.

Parish Finance Committee members, Asst parish priest Fr Pradeep Cardoza, family members of Msgr felicitated Msgr Ferdinand during the occasion.

Followed by,  Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves was honored by various organizations like SSVP, Catholic Sabha, ICYM, Sthree Sanghaton, Choir group, Franciscan Tertiary and others.

On the occasion of Parish Community Day, prizes were distributed to winners of various games and activities by Rector Ferdinand Gonsalves. Meanwhile, all the 15 wards of the Cathedral presented skits, Kawali and group singing which entertained the participants gathered in large numbers till the end.

Sr. Anita of Rose Convent and Ann Lewis compared the long dual programme. Prema Lewis proposed a vote of thanks.  Fellowship meal was served to all the participants of the parish.