Daijiworld Media Network – Kaup (JD)

Kaup, Feb 1: A felicitation programme was held at Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, on Friday in honour of Msgr Dr Leslie D’Souza, parish priest of the church, following his appointment as the new Bishop of the Udupi Catholic Diocese by Pope Leo.

On behalf of the parishioners and the Parish Pastoral Council, Msgr Dr Leslie D’Souza was accorded a warm welcome and honoured with a bouquet. Addressing the gathering, outgoing Bishop of the Udupi Diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo offered his blessings and congratulated the bishop-designate.

He said that it was through the blessings of Our Lady of Health, coinciding with the annual feast of the parish, that Msgr Dr Leslie D’Souza received the noble opportunity to serve God in a higher capacity. He expressed hope that Mother Mary would grant him the wisdom and strength to serve responsibly, fostering unity while carrying everyone along.

Speaking on the occasion, bishop-designate Msgr Dr Leslie D’Souza expressed his gratitude to Our Lady of Health for the opportunity to serve God. He thanked the Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Committee office-bearers and parishioners for the love, trust and cooperation extended to him during his tenure. He prayed that Mother Mary’s blessings would continue to be upon all those who supported him.

Several priests from different parishes were present, including Fr George D’Souza, Fr Anil D’Souza of Udyavar, Fr Henry Mascarenhas of Ajekar, assistant parish priests Fr Anil Rodrigues and Fr Roshan D’Souza (SDB), Fr Kiran Norbet of Don Bosco Youth Centre, and Fr Rolvin Aranha.

Also present were Parish Pastoral Council vice-president Julian Rodrigues, secretary Gilbert Pinto, former vice-president Melvin Aranha, church commission coordinator Shalini Corda, religious sisters from Nativity Convent, members of the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils, and a large number of parishioners.

It is noteworthy that Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the first Bishop of the Udupi Catholic Diocese, had earlier served as an assistant parish priest at the historic Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, which has a legacy of over a century. Coincidentally, the present parish priest of the same church, Dr Leslie D’Souza, has now been appointed as the second Bishop of the Udupi Catholic Diocese, a development the faithful see as a special blessing of Our Lady of Health.