Golden and Diamond Jubilees Celebrated with Grace at Mount St. Joseph

On : 2025-05-16

BENGALURU – The serene chapel of Mount St. Joseph in Bengaluru echoed with gratitude and celebration on May 16, 2025, as the Karnataka Jesuit Province came together to honour the golden and diamond jubilees of some of its most revered members. With the theme, “Thanks for all that has been, Thanks for all that will be,” the Province-Level Jubilee Celebration was a heartfelt tribute to lives lived in devoted service.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Francis D’Almeida, SJ along with the jubilarians, marked a sacred beginning to the day. Fr. Fredrick D’Silva, SJ delivered a stirring homily, reflecting on the words of St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier: “Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” His reflections spoke to the deep well of divine grace experienced by the jubilarians over the decades, emphasizing that it is God’s unwavering fidelity that sustains and shapes a life of mission and sacrifice.

The jubilarians who were present  at the celebration included:

• Fr. Francis D’Almeida SJ – 50 years in the Society of Jesus
• Fr. Swebert D’Silva SJ – 50 years in the Society of Jesus
• Fr. Eugene Lobo SJ – 60 years in the Society of Jesus
• Fr. Thomas Quadras SJ – 60 years in the Society of Jesus
• Fr. Fredrick D’Silva SJ – 50 years of priesthood
• Fr. Maxim Rasquinha SJ – 60 years of priestly ministry.

The other jubilarians were also remembered at the event, who included;

·         Fr Pradeep Sequeira, SJ – 50 years of priesthood

·         Fr Leo Dsouza SJ, - 60 Years of priesthood

·         Fr Oswald Mascarenhas, - 70 Years in the Society of Jesus

·         Fr Celestine Sera, SJ – 60 years in the Society of Jesus

The liturgy was further enriched by a melodious choir of young priests, under the direction of Fr. Aravind Royce, bringing depth and beauty to the celebration.

A moving felicitation program followed in the Aula of Mount St. Joseph. The Province Media Team, led by Fr. Marcel Rodrigues, SJ and Fr Arul Anthony, SJ showcased a tribute video capturing the impactful journeys of the jubilarians. The team had series of videos made on the jubilarians shared already on YouTube channel and social media groups.  Fr. Melwyn J. Pinto, SJ offered a toast that blended wit, affection, and deep respect, honouring the unique legacy of each priest.

Each jubilant was felicitated with traditional tokens of honour – a shawl, garland, and Mysore Peta – symbols of reverence and recognition. Fr. Dionysius Vaz SJ, Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuit Province, delivered a keynote address that beautifully captured the essence of their ministry, likening their lifelong service to the Gospel parable of seeds that fall to the ground and die, only to bear fruit in abundance.

Adding a special note to the celebration were heartfelt congratulatory letters from Fr. General Arturo Sosa SJ, especially commending Frs. Swebert D’Silva, SJ and Francis D’Almeida, SJ for their outstanding commitment and embodiment of core Jesuit values: Magis, Ignatian Pedagogy, Cura Personalis, and their nurturing spirit.

The program culminated with a joyful felicitation song performed by the young priests, and a gracious vote of thanks delivered by Fr. Eugene Lobo on behalf of the jubilarians. The familiar strains of Karnataka Jesuits “Mother Dear, O Company” brought the celebration to a close, leaving hearts full and spirits lifted.

The day concluded with a warm Agape meal lovingly served by the Mount St. Joseph community, bringing together nearly 100 Jesuits in a celebration of fraternity, faith, and fidelity.

Reported by Fr Pradeep Crasta, SJ