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A big thank you –
Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza
While I was on my short holidays in July last year, there were
wispers and hearsay stories making rounds in Barkur that Rev.
Fr. Alban D’Souza will be here at Barkur Parish just for a
short period and will be assigned to greater responsibilities. A
year, just he going to complete here on 30-05-2012 and transfer
orders from the Bishop, directing him to take up Kalmadi
Velankanni Shrine is not remained a secret anymore. On 4th
June, 2012, Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza will be taking charge of newer
and greater responsibilities, as parish Priest of Stella Maris
Church, Kalmady.
Fr Alban was the third and the youngest son of Mrs. Theresa & late
Felix D’Souza of Shankara pura, was born on 9th
October, 1967. After his elementary education at native Pangla he
joined St. Mary’s First Grade College, Shirva. He had his
priestly training at St. Joseph’s Seminary at Jeppu, Mangalore.
He was ordained priest on 06/04/1999 and sent to Bidar for one
year. On return he served as Assistant Parish priest at Kulshekar
at about 3 years. Cassia church was his next destination just for
a year, as he was appointed as one of the youngest Parish Priest
of Pakshikere, to the famous shrine dedicated to St. Jude
Thaddeus. He was rightly called the ‘Architect of Modern
Pakshikere’, for his enormous contribution for the welfare of
the Church and its people till 30th May, 2011, as he
completed seven long years in that parish and it was time for
transfer……
Just an year back, our Barkur parish was rejoicing with young
priests arrival here, on 30th May, 2011, to usher new
era of ‘faster progress’ – the renovated sanctuary and the alter,
new generator, laying of inter lock tiles to the entire Church
compound and the construction of a new ‘Adoration Chapel’ adjacent
to the church etc…… one can’t believe, all these things happened
within just an year!!
Over and above these three visible changes, we noticed something
very much unique in the parish – religious awakening of one great
year… Regular, weekly Thursday evening charismatic prayers,
frequent retreats, special holy week celebrations and so on…. all
speak in volumes of the man behind this renaissance.
Personally, I met him just thrice, for a short while, each meeting
not lasting more than 3 – 4 minutes…..but I cherish those moments.
Once after the Sunday Mass, in July last year, next on a Thursday
prayer and last during reception of Silver Jubilee celebration of
my friend Mrs & Mr. Stephen Greta Lewis at Mary knoll High School
grounds, in Feb 2012. Though three different occasions… and each
time an experience of special type. Age wise he is very young to
me, but one matured human being personified in him. He enjoys
every moment of life with the people surrounding him, wherever he
is…..
On Thursdays, people not only around Barkur used to gather but
from nearby parishes of Sastan, Brahmmavar were there, almost full
church, predominantly middle and lower middle class, in search of
peace of mind and good health…. There were distant visitors too
longing for a personal meeting with the priest. Especially elders
in the parish were more than happy to spend long hours in the
Church in the presence of God. His persuasion skills, knowledge,
preaching and proclamation of word of God were amazing. Very
simple and humble, easily approachable, Fr. Alban is well known
for passionate counselling and resolving many a complications,
disorders….and restore peace.
Every era of better things always of a short term – Fr. Alban
about to say goodbye to Barkur as parish priest, surely
Barkurian’s by and large miss him. Fortunately he will be there
just about 15 k.m. away in nearby Malpe- Kalmady, an up coming
shrine in the midst of, once flush green paddy fields, will going
to attract pilgrims from all sides.
Right man at right place, Fr Alban will bring more glory to the
place and solace to hundreds of devotees of ‘Our Lady of
Vellannkanni’, in days to come. Located ideally, this place
has all potentials of becoming a Retreat & Counselling Centre,
with and in the holy hands of Fr. Alban D’Souza.
We Barkurian's will be preparing to say adieus to Fr. Alban and
gearing up to welcome Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca, a
scholar, ever smiling, great musician, retired Principal of
Milagres College, Kallianpur, as our New Parish Priest (we will
try to give a brief introduction of Fr. Mendonca in coming days)
If one has a will to do something, useful to the society, time and
resources will not be a hindrance and there are people who come
forward, Fr. Alban took the initiative to tap them and done
something unique for the people of God in Barkur, which will leave
a permanent mark, in the history annals of this famed church. A
big thank you Rev. Father, for all concerns you shown for us…….May
Almighty Bless you with good health in days to come.
With heartfelt thanks,
On behalf of Barkur-online Team & ICYM Barkur Ex-Members
Association,
P. Archibald Furtado,
Muscat .
(You are welcome to send your feedback on above, to
archibaldfurtado@yahoo.com)
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