Report by: Dale Dsouza
The Parish Community Day of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, was celebrated with solemnity and festive spirit on Sunday, 13th July 2025. This year’s celebration was even more special as it coincided with the Ruby Jubilee (40 years) of priestly ordination of Rev. Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, the Parish Priest of Milagres Cathedral and Vicar General of the Diocese of Udupi.
The day began with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at 9:00 AM at the Cathedral. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves himself and concelebrated by over 15 priests from the Dioceses of Udupi and Mangalore. Among them was Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest of Milagres Cathedral, along with another esteemed clergy. The presence of Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of Udupi Diocese, added great spiritual significance to the occasion.
The homily was delivered by Rev. Fr Basil Vaz, Parish Priest of Narampady, former assistant parish priest of Milagres Cathedral and a close seminary batchmate of Msgr Ferdinand. Reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, Fr Basil eloquently conveyed the Christian call to be compassionate and self-giving in today’s world, emphasising how every person is called to be a good neighbour through genuine service, much like the exemplary life of Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves.
The Mass was made spiritually enriching by the participation of a well-trained choir, whose harmonious singing uplifted the congregation and added grace to the liturgy.
Following the Holy Mass, the faithful gathered at the Tri Centenary Hall for the Parish Community Day cultural programme, which also served as a felicitation event to honour Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves for his four decades of committed priestly ministry.
The programme was meticulously coordinated and compered by Sr Anitha Dsouza, Headmistress of Milagres High School, and Mrs Ann Monis, Animator of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM). The event began with a prayer service led by seven ICYM youth members, accompanied by Master Neil Dsouza on the keyboard, creating an atmosphere of reverence and unity.
The dignitaries were warmly welcomed by Mr Melwyn Sequeira, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council. This was followed by the Annual Parish Report presented by Mrs Eugine Rebello, Secretary of the PPC, highlighting the various spiritual, pastoral, social and developmental activities carried out during the past year.
The cultural segment witnessed enthusiastic participation from various parish wards and included vibrant dance performances, soulful singing, and thought-provoking skits — all of which showcased the unity, creativity, and commitment of the parishioners.
Fr Victor Dsouza offered a brief yet heartfelt account of Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves’ dedicated journey in priestly ministry. He spoke of Msgr Ferdinand’s early years of formation marked by deep faith and discipline, leading to his ordination 40 years ago. Over the decades, Msgr Ferdinand served in numerous parishes with exemplary pastoral zeal, building vibrant faith communities wherever he was posted. Known for his simplicity, compassion, and administrative acumen, he has touched countless lives through his homilies, guidance, and acts of charity. Fr Victor commended Msgr Ferdinand’s unwavering commitment to the mission of the Church and his invaluable contribution to the spiritual growth of the Dioceses of Udupi and Mangalore.
A heartfelt felicitation ceremony was held to honour Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves for his distinguished and devoted service to the Church over the past forty years. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, together with other dignitaries on the dais, offered words of appreciation and presented a memento as a token of love and gratitude. Family members of Msgr Ferdinand were also present on the occasion and were acknowledged for their support and prayers. Mrs Prema Lewis, coordinator of 20 Pastoral Commissions, thanked everyone.
The program concluded with a community meal, joyfully shared by all parishioners, reflecting the spirit of fellowship and togetherness that defines the Milagres Cathedral parish community.
The entire day stood as a testimony to the faith, unity, and pastoral vibrancy of the Milagres parish, and above all, to the tireless priestly service of Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, whose life continues to inspire generations of faithful in the Diocese of Udupi.
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