Devotional News

Shivamogga, December 20, 2024: Bishop Francis Serrao, S.J., Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, organized a Christmas recollection for the clergy serving in the Diocese of Shimoga on December 18th and 19th.

The recollection began at 6:00 p.m. Fr. Freddie D'Silva, S.J., was the resource person. He based his talks on "Dilexit Nos" (He loved us). On December 15th, at 9:30 a.m., confessions were organized for the clergy.

At 11:00 a.m., Bishop Francis Serrao, S.J., along with Msgr. Very Rev. Fr. Felix Joseph Noronha (Golden Jubilarian and parish priest of St. Joseph's Church, Sagara), and Silver Jubilarians Fr. Santhosh D'Cunha, Fr. George K. A., Fr. Lancy D'Souza, and Fr. Franklin D'Souza, celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the clergy.

Reverend Freddie D'Silva presented a compelling homily on the Magnificat, articulating praise, proclamation, prophecy, and practice as its four core components. He then applied these principles to the lives of the clergy, illustrating how priests embody the Eucharist through the process of being taken, blessed, broken, and given.

At 12:15 PM, all attendees assembled in the hall. Father Roman Pinto presided over the program. Monsignor Very Reverend Father Stany D'Souza offered felicitations to Golden Jubilarian Monsignor Felix Joseph Noronha. On behalf of the Diocese, Bishop Francis Serrao, SJ, presented Monsignor Felix with a shawl, garland, fruit basket, and gift. Father Venil Arun D'Silva then offered felicitations to Fathers Santhosh D'Cunha, George K A, Lancy D'Souza, and Franklin D'Souza. Bishop Francis Serrao, SJ, subsequently presented each with a shawl, garland, fruit basket, and gift.

Bishop Francis Serrao, S.J., delivered the Christmas message, expressing gratitude for his priests' dedicated service to the parishioners. He presented each priest with a cake, Bible diary, and greeting card, a yearly gesture of appreciation.

Monsignor Stany D'Souza expressed gratitude to the Bishop for organizing the impactful recollection and acknowledged the contributions of resource person Father Freddie D'Silva. The priests collectively conveyed their Christmas wishes to Bishop Francis through a musical performance. Monsignor D'Souza also extended his appreciation to all who assisted in ensuring the event's success.