Karnataka Jesuit Province Celebrates Jubilarians at Fatima Retreat House
On : 2025-08-16
August 16, 2025, will be remembered as a day of deep gratitude and joy for the Karnataka Jesuit Province, as the Jesuit community gathered at Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru, to celebrate the jubilees of eight remarkable Jesuits. The occasion, filled with prayer, fellowship, and thanksgiving, honoured decades of faithful service and commitment to the Society of Jesus and the Church.
This year’s jubilarians included:
· Fr. Francis D’Almeida, SJ – 50 years in the Society of Jesus
· Fr. Celestine Sera, SJ – 60 years in the Society of Jesus
· Fr. Oswald Mascarenhas, SJ – 70 years in the Society of Jesus
· Frs. Frederick D’Silva, SJ, Frederick Menezes, SJ, Pradeep Sequeira, SJ, and Boniface Lewis, SJ – 50 years of Priesthood
· Fr. Leo D’Souza, SJ – 60 years of Priesthood
Adding to the joy, Fr. Swebert D’Silva, SJ, travelled from Bangalore to celebrate his golden jubilee in the Society of Jesus alongside his brother Jesuits.
The solemn Eucharist was the heart of the celebration, presided over by Fr. Pradeep Sequeira, SJ, with the meaningful theme: “For all that has been, Thanks; and for all that will be, Yes.” In his moving homily, Fr. Francis D’Almeida, SJ, reflected on the biblical meaning of jubilee, highlighting how each milestone embodies a profound “Yes” to God through prayer, service, and mission. The liturgy, carefully coordinated by Fr. Ajay D’Silva, SJ, was further enriched by the melodious choir of Ashakiran scholastics under the direction of Fr. Sujay Daniel, SJ.
Following Mass, the felicitation programme radiated gratitude and fraternity. Fr. Ivan Mendonca, SJ, Superior of Fatima Retreat House, warmly welcomed the gathering, while Fr. Leston Lobo, SJ, Director of Loyola Pre-Novitiate, compered the event with liveliness. Fr. Henry Saldanha, SJ, Superior of Ashakiran Scholasticate, proposed a heartfelt toast, praising the Jubilarians as mentors and guides. The Provincial, Fr. Dionysius Vaz, SJ, extended greetings, recalling the indelible contributions of the Jubilarians in education, pastoral ministry, and leadership. Each Jubilarian was honoured with shawls, peta, and garlands as a sign of love and respect.
Expressions of gratitude were shared by the Jubilarians themselves. Speaking on their behalf, Fr. Frederick D’Souza, SJ, conveyed their deep appreciation for the Society, while Fr. Edward Rodrigues, SJ, delivered a memorable vote of thanks in his characteristic style. The pre-novices of Loyola Pre-Novitiate added vibrancy with a spirited felicitation song, and the evening concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving over the festive meal, offered by Fr. Oswald Mascarenhas, SJ.
The celebration, coordinated meticulously by Fr. Joseph Monteiro, SJ, and supported by Jesuits of the region, was graced by a large gathering of Jesuit directors of works, collaborators, and friends.
Beyond the joy of the liturgy and felicitation, the Jubilee stood as a testimony to lives of fidelity, service, and inspiration. These milestones are not mere numbers but markers of journeys shaped by challenges, prayer, and an unwavering commitment to God’s people. Through parishes, schools, retreat houses, and missions, the Jubilarians’ legacies continue to echo the Jesuit motto: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam—for the greater glory of God.
Reported by Fr Ajay D’Silva, SJ
