St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu,
Mangalore, organized a grand felicitation programme titled “Honor Ad Pastorem – Honor to the Shepherd”
to congratulate and honour Most Rev. Dr
Leslie Clifford D’Souza on his recent appointment and episcopal
ordination as the Bishop of the Diocese
of Udupi. The celebration commenced with the Holy Eucharist at 6.00 p.m., solemnly celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza.
The seminary community joined in prayer, thanking God for His abundant
blessings upon the newly appointed bishop and invoking divine guidance as he
begins his episcopal ministry.
Following the Holy Mass, the felicitation programme
was held in the presence of distinguished dignitaries on the dais, including Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of
Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr Aloysius
Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore, Very Rev. Fr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, Rector of St Joseph’s Interdiocesan
Seminary, Rev. Fr Maxim D’Souza,
Treasurer of the Seminary, and the chief guest, Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza.
The programme began with a warm welcome address by the Rector, Very Rev. Fr
Rajesh Melvin Rosario, who expressed the seminary community’s heartfelt
joy in celebrating Bishop Leslie's appointment as the shepherd of the Diocese
of Udupi. He assured the bishop of the prayers and support of the seminary
family as he undertakes his new pastoral responsibilities. Rev. Fr Maxim D’Souza, Treasurer of
the Seminary, delivered the felicitation
address, tracing Bishop Leslie's journey of priestly ministry and
highlighting the qualities that have prepared him for episcopal leadership. The
Seminary Choir enriched the
celebration with a beautifully rendered felicitation
chorus, expressing the seminary community’s heartfelt congratulations
and prayers.
Offering words of appreciation, Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza
reflected on Bishop Leslie's years of faithful priestly ministry and spoke of
his pastoral wisdom, humility, and deep commitment to the people of God. He
expressed confidence that Bishop Leslie would lead the Diocese of Udupi with faith,
compassion, and courage. Most Rev. Dr
Peter Paul Saldanha congratulated Bishop Leslie on his appointment and
acknowledged the trust the Church has placed in him. He encouraged the new
bishop to continue shepherding God’s people with zeal and dedication while
assuring him of the prayers and support of the Diocese of Mangalore and the
seminary community.
Responding to the felicitation, Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D'Souza
expressed his sincere gratitude for the warm reception and honour accorded to
him. Thanking God for His providence and the many people who had accompanied
him throughout his vocation, he reflected on the responsibilities of episcopal
ministry. Addressing the seminarians, he encouraged them to remain rooted in
prayer, cultivate humility, and prepare themselves to become holy and
compassionate priests dedicated to the service of God’s people.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Br Sunil Raju, who
expressed gratitude to the bishops, priests, formators, choir members,
seminarians, and all those who contributed to the success of the celebration.
The event was gracefully compered by Br
Aashton D'Souza. The evening was a memorable occasion of thanksgiving
and fraternity as the seminary community united to honour Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza
on his appointment as the new Bishop of
the Diocese of Udupi, assuring him of their prayers and best wishes for
a fruitful episcopal ministry.
