15th July 2021 – Silver
Jubilee of the Priestly Ordination of Rev. Fr. Salvador Fernandes
It was indeed a joyous day for the community of DITh to celebrate the Silver
Jubilee of the Priestly Ordination of our beloved rector, Rev. Fr. Salvador
Fernandes. The Jubilation got a grace-filled start with the solemn
celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by the Fr. Rector, the
Jubilarian. The day also being the feast of St. Bonaventure we had a very
meaningful celebration of the Holy Mass. Fr. Albert, the director of studies
gave a beautiful introduction to the liturgy as well as to the celebration
of the day, inviting us to thank and pray for the blessings of Fr. Salvador
to our community and province at large. Fr. Anil Sequeira preached a homily
with deep theological insights aptly fitting for the event. The melodious
choir by the brothers, ably guided by Fr. Baptist enhanced the prayerful
ambience of the celebration.
At noon there was a felicitation program held in the refectory where Br.
Melroy was the MC. Br. Lawrence spoke words of appreciation towards Fr.
Salvador, recalling the wonderful person in him and thanked him for the
service he renders to our community, especially as the rector of DITh. Fr.
Anil the Vice Rector giving a Royal assent to the words of appreciation
added to the same. The Jubilarian was felicitated by the community members
by presenting a Shawl, garland and a beautiful bouquet of fragrant flowers
as a sign of gratitude. This was followed by a cake cutting ceremony and a
sumptuous fellowship meal thereafter.
In the evening there was a meaningful prayer service conducted by the
brothers. Thereafter a short entertainment program was held in the hall. Brs.
Hubert and Ambrose were the Masters of Ceremony who increased the gusto of
the program through humour and creative presentation. All the brothers
presented beautiful programs expressing their talents and creativity,
especially their gratitude towards rector. Fr. Antony sang a song in honour
of the Jubilarian, who also happens to be the director of his initiation
course. He also recalled the beautiful moments of his three years of his
stay at Ujire under Fr. Salvador as director and thanked him in a special
way. Thereafter the Jubilarian Fr. Salvador Fernandes spoke words of
gratitude towards brothers and fathers for being part of his joy and
enhancing it. He also shared the experience of his journey of 25 years of
priestly life, which indeed was inspirational. The well arranged
entertainment program came to an end with the vote of thanks by Br. Clement,
followed by a hymn to Mother Mary.
