PANAJI
The Silver Jubilee of the Sacerdotal Ordination of 11 priests of the Society of Pilar was celebrated with a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at the Mission Seminary Chapel, Pilar, reflecting on 25 years of dedicated priestly service.
The Silver Jubilarian priests of the Society of Pilar (SFX) include Fr Amaro Martins (Canacona, Goa) and Fr Maria Michael (Tamil Nadu) from the Delhi Province; Fr Anthony Aleixinho D’Cruz (Tuem), Fr Attley Gomes (Panzorconim, Cuncolim), Fr Daniel Gladwin D’Souza (São José de Areal), Fr Denzil Martins (Varca), Fr Francisco Xavier Colaco (Nuvem), and Fr Julius Ferrao (Ambarnath, Mumbai) from the Kolkata Province; Fr Cherobino Fernandes (Juhu, Mumbai), Fr Pravin Gavin (Dudhni, Nagar Haveli), and Fr Raymond Monteiro (Chinchinim) from the Mumbai Province.
Fr Anthony D’Cruz SFX presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Delivering the homily, Fr Attley Gomes SFX described their 25 years of priesthood as a divine gift.
“These 25 years have been given by God. He has protected us, helped us serve Him, and granted us the grace to persevere,” he said.
He likened the priestly vocation to a lighted lamp and flowing water — symbols of self-giving service.
“A lamp gives light while consuming itself; water sustains life while flowing away. This was the life of Christ, who gave Himself for our salvation. Likewise, we have sought to bring light and life to those entrusted to us.”
Recalling their ordination in the Jubilee Year 2000, he linked their Silver Jubilee to the current Jubilee of Hope, guided by their theme: to take, to bless, and to give.
Acknowledging moments of trial and solitude, he thanked God’s grace and the prayers of the faithful for sustaining them and remembered their late companions, Fr Stanislaus Rodrigues SFX and Fr Dennis Lobo SFX.
He concluded by reminding the faithful that all baptised Christians share in the common priesthood and urged them to make Jesus the centre of their lives and to live in loving service to others.
Fr Nazareth Fernandes SFX, Superior General of the Society of Pilar, congratulated the confreres celebrating their Silver Jubilee of Ordination and paid tribute to their companions, Fr Stanislaus Rodrigues and Fr Dennis Lobo.
“Pray for vocations to the priesthood in the Missionary Society of Pilar,” said Fr Nazareth.
Fr Anthony Joseph Fernandes SFX also spoke on the occasion. Scholastic Aston Carvalho welcomed all and was the liturgical commentator. Fr John Bennet SFX animated the liturgy. Fr Daniel Fernandes SFX thanked all. The liturgical singing was led by Fr Elvis Fernandes SFX.
