Media Release
Udupi, Nov 24: Udupi Diocesan level Secular Franciscan Jubilee 2025 celebrated with unity and vigor at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur here on Thursday, November 20.
The thanksgiving Solemn High Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese along with Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of Udupi diocese and Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Fr. Robin Victor D’Souza, Capuchin, Regional Provincial, Trinity Province, Karnataka region, Fr Paul Melwin D’Souza, Capuchin, asst Provincial, Trinity Province, Karnataka, Fr Charles Menezes, Dean of Udupi Deanery, Fr Manohar D’Souza, Capuchin, Spiritual Director of Secular Franciscan Order, Udupi diocese, Capuchin priests and diocesan priests.
In his homily Fr Paul Melwin D’Souza dominated the life of St Francis of Assisi and his love of Jesus Christ. He called the Secular Franciscan members to observe the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus by filling the example of St Francis of Assisi who cherished the inspiration and the centre of his life with God and people.
Francis’ desire to experience god within himself also propelled him to lead a life modeled after the source of Love on Jesus. It was a life of poverty; preaching and penance lived in a spirit of humility.
In his desire to so imitate Jesus, Francis freely shared what he already knew and pointed all to do the same. For Francis, poverty wasn’t a state or condition that afflicts some unfortunate people. For him, poverty was a choice – not something that anyone or anything imposed upon him.
St Francis of Assisi’s fundamental message regarding love for the poor is that in serving the poor, one is serving and encountering Christ Himself. His radical embrace of poverty was not just about asceticism, but a profound spiritual path to achieve union with God, liberation from materialism, and authentic communion with all people.
At the end of the mass, Fr Manohar D’Souza gave gratitude to all concerned including the Bishop and Vicar General and others.
The get together of all members of Secular Franciscan Order was held at Milagres Tri-centenary Hall. Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo presided over the programme.
In his presiding address, Bishop Dr Gerald Issac Lobo said that St Francis of Assisi was the person of god. He left all in his life and he followed god by helping the poorest of the poor and recognised god. St Francis of Assisi is the role model for you the Secular Franciscan Order members. You all follow the doctrines of St Francis Assisi. "When our Udupi diocese was established, our aim was that there should not be any needy person. However, it might not be fulfilled. God said I loved you, so you also love others, especially the poorest of the poor. We should give the place in our heart for the poor," he said.
The Bishop said that the poor are never problematic in our society. "We must give the place in our heart and the society for the poor people. By helping the poor would make us strong in faith with God. Poor people are the helping hand for our faith in god. They are showing us the way to heaven by providing those help. What God has given us and we share with the poor would be a fundamental decision to reach heaven," he said.
He said that the forthcoming year would be declared as the year of the poor and needy. "We need your support to strengthen the needy by helping the poorest of the poor," he added.
The chief guest Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general and Rector of the Cathedral of the diocese, Fr Robin Victor D’Souza, Capuchin and Trinity Karnataka Region Provincial spoke during the occasion.
Fr Manohar D’Souza Capuchin, Spiritual director of Diocesan Secular Franciscan Order, Fr. Paul Melwin D’Souza Asst. Provincial of Trinity Karnataka Region, Fr Prakash Lobo capuchin, Fr Joachim D’Souza capuchin, Irene Periera, President of Diocesan SFO and Secretary Jacintha Lewis, Irene Lasrado and other office bearers of SFO and others were present on the dais.
Earlier, the Secular Franciscan Order yearly report was placed by Secretary Jacintha Lewis. Dr Sony D’Costa compered the programme. Fr Prakash Lobo, capuchin graced the prayers on the meal. Fr Manohar D’Souza proposed vote thanks.
The Milagres Cathedral and reception hall was fully filled with a huge number of Secular Franciscan Order sisters and the brothers participated from all 52 churches of the diocese. The Jubilee was winded up with lunch served to all the participants.