The faithful of Our Lady of Miracles Cathedral, Kallianpur, along with relatives and friends of V. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves—Vicar General of Udupi Diocese and Rector of Our Lady of Miracles Cathedral—gathered in joyful celebration to mark the Ruby Jubilee of his priesthood and Parish Community Day. The solemn occasion was observed with a Thanksgiving Eucharist, offered by V. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves himself.
The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by V. Rev. Fr. Stephen D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese; V. Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, Dean of Udupi Deanery; and over fifteen priests from the dioceses of Udupi and Mangalore. Rev. Fr. Basil Vas delivered a deeply meaningful and spiritually enriching homily.
During the Mass, V. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the gift of life and for the grace of forty years in sacred priestly ministry. He also thanked his family, friends, and well-wishers who supported and accompanied him on this spiritual journey. During the Mass, Most Rev. Gerald Isaac Lobo was present.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation program and Parish Community Day were held, organized by the parishioners to honor and appreciate V. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves.
Gracing the dais for the felicitation were Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi; V. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves; V. Rev. Fr Stephen D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese; V. Rev. Dr Roshan D’Souza, Judicial Vicar of Udupi Diocese; Rev. Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Asst. Priest of Milagres Cathedral; Mr Melwyn Sequeira , Vice-President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mrs Eugene Rebello, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council and Mrs Preema Lewis, Coordinator of Parish Pastoral Commissions other dignitaries present on the dias.
Mrs. Eugene Rebello read the brief report of the parish’s various activities. This was followed by a parish cultural program. All the parish ward members participated in the cultural program, which led into the stage segment.
V. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves then cut the Ruby Jubilee cake, and Rev. Fr. Victor D’Souza proposed a toast, conveying wishes of good health and continued blessings to Msgr. Gonsalves.
Msgr. Gonsalves was felicitated by parishioners, Gurkars, religious communities, various associations, and Parish Pastoral Council members on the occasion of his Ruby Jubilee. He addressed the gathering with words of appreciation, highlighting his dedicated service to the Church and the faithful.
Bishop Gerald Lobo extended the official felicitation on behalf of the Diocese of Udupi and congratulated Msgr. Gonsalves on his selfless service and dedication to the Church. Parishioners and family members joined in honoring him with love and admiration.
In his address, V. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves expressed deep appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the day truly memorable. The entire celebration radiated a spirit of gratitude, joy, and togetherness.
The program began with a welcome address by Mr. Melwyn Sequeira and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Prema Lewis.
