A farewell programme was organized at St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary to express gratitude and appreciation to Rev. Fr Antony George Pinto for his dedicated service to the seminary. After serving the institution in various important capacities, Fr Antony George is now proceeding to Germany for pastoral ministry. The programme began at 7:00 p.m. with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, giving the seminary community an opportunity to thank God for Fr Antony George’s service and to pray for his new mission. His years of service as a Professor, Human Formation Director, and Head of the Department at St Joseph’s Institute of Theology (SJIT) were remembered with gratitude. Through his teaching, guidance, and personal accompaniment, he contributed significantly to the academic, human, and spiritual formation of the seminarians.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, a small felicitation programme was held. Rev. Fr Antony Lasrado, Parish Priest of St Joseph’s Church, Jeppu, delivered the words of felicitation. He expressed appreciation for Fr Antony George’s dedicated service and wished him God’s blessings as he begins his pastoral ministry in Germany. As a mark of gratitude, Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, Bishop Emeritus, Very Rev. Fr Rajesh Rosario the Rector, and Rev. Fr Alexander Kalarikkal the Director of St Joseph’s Institute of Theology felicitated Fr Antony George. The gesture expressed the appreciation of the seminary community for his years of commitment and service.

In response, Fr Antony George Pinto expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the bishops, priests, staff, and seminarians for their love, support, and cooperation throughout his years of service. He recalled his experiences at the seminary with gratitude and sought the prayers of the community as he begins this new chapter of his ministry in Germany. The programme was compered by Br Albin, who guided the gathering through the different moments of the felicitation. At the conclusion of the programme, the seminary choir sang a hymn of praise to God, bringing the farewell celebration to a prayerful and joyful close.