Welcome to the New Parish Priest - Fr Joseph Lobo Back

MOST HOLY REDEEMER CHURCH GIVES A WARM WELCOME TO IT’ S NEW PARISH PRIEST

The life of a priest is never stationed at a single place. His missionary work takes him to different parishes and requires of him to acquaint himself with all people around him. The success of a parish reflects the hard work that a Parish Priest has put in his missionary work.

Most Holy Redeemer Church was all set to accord a warm welcome to its new Parish Priest Rev.Fr.Joseph Lobo. At 4.30 PM Fr. Joseph Lobo along with the parishioners of Niddodi parish arrived at Derebail. The new Parish Priest was formally welcomed at the entrance of the church and then a procession followed into the church. Fr. Anil Lobo, the Assistant Parish Priest led the proceeding. The entire ceremony was carried out in a solemn manner during which Fr. Peter D’souza handed over the Stole to the new Parish Priest Fr. Joseph Lobo. This was then followed by the handing over of the Holy Gospel from which Fr. Joseph Lobo read out a verse.

The new Parish Priest is supposed to profess his faith in front of the Representative of the Bishop. The Profession of faith was done by Fr. Joseph Lobo in the presence of Fr. John Vaz, the Bishop’s representative. What follows next is Juramentum i.e the newly appointed Parish priest takes an oath of relentless service towards the parish with a hand on the Holy Gospel. Fr. Peter D’souza then formally handed over the file that contained the names of the parishioners and their details to Fr. Joseph Lobo. The Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr Anil Patrao then handed over the Accounts File of the Church to the newly appointed priest.

 Fr. John Vaz then entrusted the keys of the Blessed Sacrament to Fr. Joseph Lobo. Fr. Joseph Lobo then lit the candles on the either side of the Sacrament and passed on the flame to all the members of the Parish Pastoral Council. Jesus is the light of the world and this light that was spread around was a symbolic gesture of the commitment that each member of the Parish Pastoral Council had towards the Church. The parishioners too have to share the responsibility of supporting a church. A concluding prayer was said and a hymn was sung in praise to the Almighty.

A short introductory programme followed. Mr. Anil Patrao welcomed the gathering. He in a special way welcomed the Parish Priest Fr. Joseph Lobo and the parishioners of Niddodi Church. Mr Anil Patrao assured Fr. Joseph Lobo constant support from the parishioners of Derebail. Fr. Peter D’souza too spoke and extended a hearty welcome to Fr.Joseph Lobo. Speaking on this occasion Fr. John Vaz , shared his views as to how one could reflect Christ in their day to day life. He gave Fr. Joseph Lobo his best wishes.

It was Fr. Joseph Lobo’s turn to speak. It was an emotional moment for all who had gathered in the church. Fr. Joseph Lobo spoke about the 32 years of Priesthood. He spoke of how important and special Niddodi Church was for him. The tears in the eyes of the Niddodi parishioners showed the impact and influence that Fr. Joseph Lobo had in their life as a spiritual guide.  After this the parishioners came forward to seek his blessings. Refreshments were then served.

Report by: Lynsha Lobo
Pictures: Simon Pereira