Udupi: The 60th Birthday and 30th anniversary of Priesthood of Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, parish priest of St. Theresa Church and Director of Catholic Sabha Udupi Diocese, was celebrated at Kemmannu Church here on Thursday, September 29.
Fr. Ferdinand concelebrated the Thanksgiving mass along with Msgr Baptist Menezes (Vicar General of Udupi Diocese), Fr Valerian Mendonca (Chancellor of the diocese), Fr Stany B Lobo (Dean of Kallianpur deanery) and other priests.
Fr Basil Vas, parish priest of Alangar Church Moodbidri, in his homily highlighted the qualities of Fr Ferdinand.
In his message, Msgr Baptist Menezes congratulated Fr Ferdinand on the occasion of the diamond jubilee and the 30th anniversary of Priesthood. Msgr along with the diocese chancellor Fr Valerian Mendonca felicitated Fr Ferdinand by offering him a shawl and a garland on behalf the Diocese of Udupi and wished him well in his future ministry.
Following the mass, a felicitation function was held at the parish hall. The felicitation programme began with a prayer dance. Ronald Menezes, vice president of parish pastoral council of Kemmannu church, welcomed the gathering.
Fr Valerian Mendonca (Chancellor of the diocese), Fr. Louis D’Sa (parish priest of St Francis Xavier’s church Mudarangadi), Mary Gonsalves (family member of Fr Ferdinand) and Grace Machado (secretary of parish pastoral council of Kemmannu) were the guests on the dais.
The felicitation function was inaugurated by Fr Ferdinand by cutting the cake. Fr. Louis D’Sa, parish priest of St Francis Xavier’s church Mudarangadi, delivered the felicitation oration in which he narrated, in a hilarious manner, the family background vocation and priestly service of Fr Ferdinand. Fr. Louis also pointed out the special bond that existed between Fr. Ferdinand and him for the last 20 years. He appreciated the selfless service rendered by Fr. Ferdinand, wherever he went as assistant parish priest or as a teacher and principal in educational institutions.
Fr Valerian Mendonca in his message congratulated Fr Ferdinand and wished him well in his future ministry.
In his reply to the felicitation function, Fr Ferdinand thanked God and Mother Mary for the gift of priesthood and recalled with gratitude, the help and support rendered to him various people, from his parents, family members, Bishop, parishioners.
Grace Machado delivered the vote of thanks. Nadia Menezes compered the felicitation function.