Silver Anniversary of the Priesthood of Rev. Fr. Felicio Diniz
BAHRAIN: The Catholic Community of Awali is organizing a celebration to mark the Silver Anniversary of the Priesthood of Rev. Fr. Felicio Diniz, who is the Parish Priest of the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Visitation, at Awali. The celebrations will be held on Friday, 30th October, 2009 at the Church grounds in Awali. Fr. Felicio had the special privilege of being ordained priest by His Holiness, the late Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica, Rome on 31st May, 1984. He served as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Manama, for 15 years from 1989. During this period, he undertook major improvements of the facilities and infrastructure of Sacred Heart Church for the benefit of parishioners by building the Multipurpose Hall, the Tirnanzi Auditorium and the Byrnes Youth Hall, in addition to refurbishing the original small church. While serving as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, he also gave regular services at Awali Church, a facility owned by the Bahrain Petroleum Company that has been existing for almost as many years as the Sacred Heart Church, to meet the spiritual needs of many Catholics residing at Awali, Riffa and surrounding districts. In October 2004, he relinquished his responsibilities as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church and went on sabbatical leave for about three years. After his return to Bahrain in 2007, H.E. Bishop Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, appointed him as resident Parish Priest of the Awali Church dedicated to Our Lady of the Visitation to pastor the growing Christian community in the area. The ceremony on 30th October will commence with Thanksgiving Concelebrated Solemn Mass at 5.00 PM, the main celebrant being H.E. Bishop Paul Hinder, who will be present for the occasion. The felicitation program will soon follow, with colorful cultural program lined up. The organizing committee welcomes all parishioners both from Manama, Awali, Riffa and elsewhere to attend in large numbers. Transport will be available for parishioners coming from Manama. Info source: www.goa-world.com G.R. Crasto 26/10/2009
