Golden Jubilee of priesthood St Joseph Church Dramapur 1 .5.2023 Golden Jubilee celebration of Fr Alfredo Monteiro
The momentous ocassion of thanksgiving was held at St Joseph Church grounds Dramapur on first May 2023 at 10. 30 a.m A special Pandal was errected to accommodate around 1000 villagers, parishioners from Colva ,Borda, Majorda , besides priests and nuns. Fr had painstakingly and personally extended invitations as much as possible and response is judged from overflowing attendance at both venues, including common function at Margao. The Altar was tastefully decorated , a choir was in attendance and booklets were provided too.Fr Alfredo Vaz recounted in details his activities, assignments in details from Venezuela ,Florida, N.Y in USA.He recalled his dedication , missionary zeal, spiritual inspiration , being his role model , penetrating voice. contagious smile, love for proficiency and skills in Soccer.He was popular with youths engaging them in sports, religious activities and social work. The Eucharistic concelebrations of thanksgiving with few colleagues on stage and the rest in audience for lack of accomodation on stage .The celebration of thanksgiving was meaningful and spiritually touching event .In his homily Fr explained that without formal University qualifications he was trusted to hold positions of responsibilities as first non American ,first Goan and non white.He recalled prophetic vision of his mother of becoming a missionary and having to shoulder home chores and truly which came to pass. Acknowledged the advice and suggestions of his colleagues specially Fr. Remedios that strengthened his convictions to assume greater responsibiliuties with courage and faith . Fr Alfredo the first priest and proud son of Dramapur for 50 years announced with joy new vocations in the village soon folliwing in his footsteps. The Parishioners had perfectly and painstakingly made all the flawless arrangements and facilities.The Parish priest was all praise for his humility, cooperation and concerns. Fr Alfredo promised definitely to attend to the needs in future and reposed his trust in Santan to do the needful ,God forbid in his absence . The friends waited lovingly in smeltering summer heat to wish him in person Arrangements for refreshments were made for the guests and separately for the priests and nuns The concelebration of Eucharistic celebrations with 11 colleagues at Holy Spirit Church on 29 Apri 2023 , presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Ferrao was a grand occasion The event at Dramapur was followed by reception at Clubo Harmonia at Margao The hall was attractively and lavishly decorated with flowers.. a grand welcome.It was largely attended by representatives of parishioners , priests and nuns Some family members had specially flown from abroad, Mumbai to give him pleasure, warmth of their presence.Fr. was welcomed by all in a joyful mood. Some games were conducted to activate the mood of the guests. The MC made father to mingle , participate interact with music and merriment.Fr was all sports without reservations and any inhibitions.The MC read from a published bulletin from USA the tributes of gratitudes ,his contributions , leadership, spirituality The traditional cutting of special Golden Jubilee cake followed. Fr Alfredo was flanked by family members ,relatives, priests and nuns. Other ocassions like 91 st birthday of his sister Eduvarda, first holy communion and wedding anniversary were also celebrated A doctor recounted her personal observations and experiences of his activitivities in the U.S A Mr Nelson Lopes had the privilege to raise the toast on the occasion and presented to him a bouquet of thoughts with flowers of faith obedience , humility, honesty, attitude of forgetting forgiving and joy of giving.A lavish, sumptuous spread out lunch followed catered by Vimson after traditional blessings Memories are all that remain and linger with joy after the curtain is finally drawn .Mr Santan his close confidant took the pains in flawless , meticulous arrangements. The celebration was indeed in gratitude to his friends that Fr Alfredo hosted this function combining it with thanksgiving for 50 years of priesthood Nelson Lopes chinchinim Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
