On 4th August, Sunday, was the feast of St. John Mary Vianny, the Patron saint of all Priests. We, at Milagres Church offered 7 a.m. Thanksgiving Mass in honour of our Priests residing at Milagres.
Rev Fr Anil Francis Pinto celebrated the Mass and gave a meaningful homily on the day’s Gospel, “Do not store up treasures of this earth”; warning us against any sort of excessive attachment to riches and worldly pleasures. This was followed by speaking briefly on the life of St. John Mary Vianny and how he inspired the young with his simplicity and sacrificial life to join the priesthood and serve God in any capacity.
To recognize the selfless service of our Priests, after the Holy mass, a short honouring program was held for the 5 priests. Mrs.Smitha Rosario, member of Youth Welfare & Cultural Committee, gave an introduction of each priest and spoke briefly of each of them, their role and their dedicated service to the church and to the people.
The priests were honoured with bouquets of flowers and they are:
Rev Fr Joseph Lobo, Parish Priest;
Rev Fr Anil Francis Pinto, Asst. Parish Priest;
Rev Fr Kenneth Crasta, Resident Priest;
Rev Fr Michael Santhumayar, Principal of the College & Campus Director;
Rev Fr Maxy M. D’Souza, Vice Principal, High School.
The thanksgiving mass was attended by the Gurkars and Parish Council members and a large number of parishioners. This celebration was held to appreciate and acknowledge the role of Priests in the life of people.