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Community News : Adieu Bid to popular priests of Kuwait
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Adieu Bid to popular priests of Kuwait
- Report By Vinod Lewis & Pics by James Paul, Kuwait
Kuwait, Feb 2, 2010 : Farewell ceremony to two popular priests Fr. Melvin D'Cunha & Fr. Teo Fernandes was held on Saturday 23rd January 2010 at Sacred Heart hall of Holy Family Cathedral.
Special holy mass was celebrated at cathedral along with Bishop Camillo Ballin who presided over.
Chief celebrant for the mass were Fr. Melvin D'Cunha & Fr. Teo Fernandes.
Other guest priests were Fr.Vargheese vice Provincial of Capuchins in Gulf from Dubai, Fr. Selvaraj Asst. parish priest Doha, Qatar, Fr.Tomazito parish priest of Dubai,
Resident priests Fr. J. Albert Saveriraj, Fr. Mathews K. Francis, Fr. Dominic Santamaria, Fr. Lionel Braganza, Fr. Tony D'Souza, Fr. Felix Mellwararchy, Fr. George Chacko, Fr. Angelos Masoud, Fr. Youssef Fakhry, Fr. Ben Barrameda, Fr. Vargeese, Fr. John Harry D'Souza & Fr. Gasper Fernandes.
In his homily, Fr. Teo explained with example the meaning of 'United we stand, divided we fall'.
After the Eucharistic celebration, felicitation ceremony was held at sacred heart hall which was over filled to its capacity. The theme for the function was "wherever you go you are a priest forever"
Invocation prayer to priests was offered by Fr.Mathews, then followed by all the priests who were present along with Bishop Camillo sang opening song in respect of duo outgoing priests.
Fr. Gasper Fernandes new parish priest of city church in his welcome address reminded Fr. Dominic's words, "Rise up to your expectations & win the hearts"
The outgoing priest Fr. Teo in his speech said he learned a lot from this country & thanked Bishop, other co priests, parisheners and all for their support.
Fr. Dominic presented flower bouquet to his darling Fr. Melvin & honey Fr.Teo. Bishop presented gifts to both the priests.
A Konkani goodbye song composed specially for this occasion in honor of both the priests was beautifully sung by community members.
Fr. Melvin in his message said that 'like enter & exit signs of the hall door, everybody has to come & leave'. He briefly talked about 9 years of his journey in Kuwait- Ahmadi, Salmiya & city church.
He thanked Bishop Francis Micalef, Bishop Camillo Ballin, for their support, encouragement, thanked fellow priests, sharing all good times & bad times, Carmelite sisters, thanked each & every body of all 3 parishes. He also said he got a rich experience from us. We can always reach through the prayers.
A song 'Lord I offer you my life' was sung by the companions & community.
Bishop Camillo Ballin in his message said Rejoice - not because they are leaving but God has his plans. God wants them to be in another place. Thanked priests for their generosity and asked to pray in difficult times and solve them by prayers. Also requested us to pray for them and them to pray for us. He thanked God and Carmelites for serving in this region for 50 years & welcomed Capuchins, also thanked all for their presence.
Even though it was a sad occasion, Fr. Ben with his humorous compeering brought smiles on everyone's face.
The fare-well ceremony was concluded with Lord's Prayer.
Later there was video presentation about priests.
Greeting & Wishing good luck to both the priests was held.
It's really praise worthy of these priests especially for Konkani speaking Christians, both Goans & Mangaloreans. Major development can be seen due to these duos in this part of the world.
Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Archives :
* Kuwait : Writers' Forum releases book 'Kavita Kalash'
* Kuwait : Kalanjali celebrates Pongal Vizha with Paattukku Paattu
* Farewell ceremony of priests in Kuwait
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