OUR BISHOP, BARKUR AND BEYOND……

Our diocese having more than 150 Churches, lot many educational and charitable Institutions, under its jurisdiction, even if Bishop being the head of all these, plan to visit one parish in a week, then too it will take him 3 years to complete the circle.

In between, so many religious and social engagements, it is heartening to note that our Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, during his almost 10 year’s tenure cultivated special concern and liking for Barkur and Barkurians! Especially during his usual pastoral visits thrice during the past 10 years, he has proved to be a great reservoir of inspiration and goodwill.

In these days, all of us read about him in length in News magazines and web-Sites, while he completes ten years being the Bishop of this great and special Diocese in India.

A very simple man, down to earth to mingle with all at ease, is a man chosen by Almighty to be a Bishop. Grown under the handsome Rt. Rev Dr. Basil S. D’Souza, his predecessor, has inbuilt in a person all qualities of a good shepherd to have concern for all and sundries.

Barkur and Bishop:

To the best of my re-collections our Bishop was and is kind to reciprocate to our invitations by making himself available to grace various great events.

May it be the ‘Silver Jubilee of ICYM’ or the Platinum Jubilee of our re furbished Church Building, or the ordination of young men of our parish to anoint them to serve the people of God, and today to preside over the ‘Parish day Celebrations’ are just few to mention! We are fortunate to be his host and have  him more than  once a year at our Barkur, while others have to wait for years,  thank you, your Excellency, for this special gesture!

Bishop of Masses:

I got sacrament of confirmation in 1966 May in the blessed hands of Bishop Basil, who was then just took the charge – his tall and handsome attractive looks at early 40’s was still a picture so lively in my mind. Loud voice, commanding presence and in one word so distinct, made many to dream to be a priest like him. Everyone thought who will take the charge from him, had great responsibility and the present Bishop rightly filled that vacancy just 10 years ago and proved to be a Bishop of both masses and class. An able administrator and concern for the coming generation is seen in his twin Educational Institutions – Fr. Muller’s Medical College at Kankanady and St. Joseph’s Engineering College at Vamanjur.

A farsighted man given highest importance to prayers in life and stressed for peace and understanding in the families. Education was his pet, and youth has a special place in his heart. His concern for deteriorating moral values in our society is genuine and friendly concern for all sections of society won him friends and admirers everywhere.

Two small events to remember:

This was the historical occasion of our ICYM’s 25^th Annual day Celebrations – where our Bishop presided over the glittering public function. His address to the Youth of Barkur now a torch light to formulate their future. He spoke in Kannada, Konkani and referred to beautiful English quotes, I expected that to be included in our Souvenir. Though not worthy, had a special privilege to share the dais with him and speak about the organization – once I concluded the talk and back to my seat, Bishop whispered few words in my ears. Mrs. Noreen Lobo, the animator of the CYM, who was beside me so curious to know what the matter is! Yes among the pleasantries, I was asked to meet him personally, if possible in Mangalore. It didn’t get materialize….

Last year, in November, I was at natives for my son’s First Holy Communion. For obvious reasons and convenience we had this programmed at Kallianpur.

It was the following Saturday, I took both my kids to Church of Mount Rosary for evening Mass at 4.00 p.m. For my surprise, when we entered, it was pastoral visit time and Bishop was conducting… rather verifying the knowledge of holy faith. He started from small children to High School and then adults. The inter-action was so lively and  interesting… and it consumed an hour without notice. At last Bishop asked ‘is Christ present with us today …and if so in which form? Faithful were ready with various answers, and encouraged by a promise of a memento. On my part I too told ‘Christ is very much present with us in the form of good priests’. And surely so in Bishop D’Souza!

Of course I was promised with a present, after the Holy Mass. I was bit scared to meet since my son also to receive a gift from Bishop, no choice to evade, I had to meet him. I was astonished to see his memory – ‘how you are here?!

Why I called out this incident is, Bishop remembers small people and small events, so well.

An archdiocese in the making:

In early 80’s there was a talk to segregate the diocese into three viz Puttur, Mangalore and Kallianpur as headquarters. One way it was a good idea for administrative reasons and to give an opportunity to few other deserving priests and people.

Mangalore has given lot many priests / nuns to this world. Some dozen priests elevated to be Bishops serving in various parts of India. It is our prayers and a dream to have a Mangalorean Cardinal…. and Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza is the automatic and well deserved choice.

Of course we are too small people to recommend such things to Church hierarchy but surely pray to Almighty to grant our wishes and our ‘Barkur on line Team’ congratulate on this glorious moment of Decennial Celebrations and earnestly pray to God to grant our Bishop good health, to shoulder the responsibilities, whatever that may come on his way.

On behalf of Barkur on line team and ICYM Barkur Ex-Members Association,

P.Archibald Furtado, Muscat 30/05/2006.