News and Pics From Jessie Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network—Bangalore (RD/CN)
Bangalore, Jul 29: After serving for seven years, it was time for Fr Thomas D’Sa to bid good bye to NBCLC, with the new director taking charge Sunday, July 27. Saying adieu to Fr D’Sa was a heart-breaking experience for the people in and around NBCLC, though his successor, Fr Cleophas D Fernandes, of Mumbai diocese is a very able and committed person with vast experience.
During his tenure, Fr D’Sa has been very enthusiastic in introducing new ideas, carrying on the foundation laid by former directors late Fr Amalor, Fr Paul Puthenangady, and Fr Jacob Thekkanath. The programme started with the Eucharistic celebration by the outgoing priest.
Fr Antony Kalliath, in his welcome address, briefed the gathering about the centre and its achievements. Fr Michael Peters thanked Fr D’Sa for his great and wonderful service to the centre. ‘The changes have been really marvelous. Fr D’Sa has made a great impact on young children through art and music,’ he said.
Fr D’Sa in his address thanked Bangalore Archbishop His Grace Bernard Moras, for promoting and encouraging every new attempt by the centre. He appreciated Bishop Moras’ selection of the new director.
Archbishop Moras, in his speech, praised Fr D’Sa and said he would be remembered for his valuable contributions to NBCLC especially the chapel ‘Samarpan’ and ‘Nrityavani’ dance hall. ‘Sagarika’, the Bible in dance form is now very popular with people of all faiths. On behalf of himself and the Archdiocese, the Archbishop thanked the diocese of Bareli, and Bishop Anthony Fernandes for the gift of Fr D’Sa to NBCLC.
Fr Cleophas, in his talk on ‘Building on the legacy’, thanked Archbishop Moras for his gracious words and assured that they would continue the beautiful relationship built in these years. He thanked Fr D’Sa for the great foundation he laid, the faculty and Nrityavani section which he nurtured with his commitment and hard work.
His Grace Emeritus Ignatius Pinto, Fr Paul and Fr Jacob, former directors of NBCLC, along with many priests graced the occasion. A large number of religious sisters, brothers, and lay people participated in the farewell programme. The entertainment segment had many dances. A new CD called ‘Religious dances for worship’ was also released on the occasion.
Jessie Rodrigues expressed thanks and gratitude to Fr D’Sa, on behalf of everyone, in the form of a poem and presented it to him. The final item of the day was the dance ‘Salve Regina’ by Nrityavani. In his vote of thanks, Fr Antony conveyed best wishes to Fr D’Sa for his future endeavours.