EVENTS:

The Oath Taking Ceremony of the new Parish Priest

On the 24th of May Rev Fr. Daniel Veigas took charge as the newly appointed Parish Priest of St. Dominic Church, Ashoknagar. The representative of the Bishop Rev. Fr. Alfred Pinto from Rosario Church was present to conduct the ceremony.

Fr. Aquin Noronha our parish priest offered the Stole and the Bible to Fr. Daniel. Later on he handed over the Books of the Ward members to him.

The Vice President Mr. Maxim Crasta handed over the Books of Accounts to the newly appointed Parish Priest.

After this Fr. Daniel recited the Apostolic Creed and also took an oath to lead the flock in a responsible manner before the representative of the Bishop, Fr. Alfred Pinto. He was then given the keys to the Blessed Sacrament.

Fr. Daniel lit the candles of the Gurkars and the Finance committee members and told them to spread the light of Christ wherever they go. Then he blessed the members.

Fr. Alfred Pinto expressed gratitude towards the services rendered by the St. Dominican community to the Diocese of Mangalore and he expressed that Fr. Aquin Noronha has been very cooperative and helpful in rendering service to the diocese and is assured that the new parish priest will also render the same services.

Fr. Aquin Noronha gave his valedictory speech and shared his experiences of 6 years wherein he was instrumental in serving the parish because of the love and support of the parishioners He also mentioned that the Fr. Daniel will do greater works with enthusiasm and zeal.

Fr. Daniel thanked the Lord for this opportunity given to him to serve in this parish community where he spent his first 3 years of priestly formation . He mentioned that every Christian is bound to share in the suffering of Christ and for a priest it is a privilege. He prayed “Lord it is you who chose me to serve as a parish priest in this church. Give me the grace to serve selflessly, be humble and attend to the needs of the people and make myself available to them always.”

Priesthood is not a right but a grace. He thanked the parishioners for accepting him. As he thanked Fr. Aquin, he said “ you have been a shepherd to the flock here and you have led by setting a good example. You have undertaken a number of works and also whatever needs to be completed I assure you that I will strive to complete them.” Let us be true witnesses to Christ through our lives.

This ceremony was attended by the Finance committee members, Gurkars of the wards, Superiors of St. Dominic and St. Joseph Convent and the Dominican community priests. Sujatha Mendonca compered the programme and thanked all who were present.