Celebration of Religious Day and Sister Celestine’s Decennial Jubilee at St. Lawrence Church a

By Meena Serrao Barboza
Pics by Marvin D’Silva, Baantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Manglore: On November 21, 2024, at 4 p.m., St. Lawrence Church and Shrine hosted a solemn celebration marking a religious day and Sr Celestine D’ Mello’s  Decennial Celebration  of Consecration and Morning Star Family Ministries. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Emeritus Bishop, and Concelebrated  by   Vicar General Msgr Lawrence Maxim Noronha, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza Parish Priest, Rev Fr William D’Souza Asst. Parish Priest, Rev Fr Arul –Betharram, Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ, and other various Priest. Sr Celestine, holding a candle, processed to the altar as the liturgy was led by religious representatives. 

 

During a reflective homily, Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza emphasized the divine origin of humanity, reminding the congregation that we are all created in the image and likeness of God. Citing John 3:16, he highlighted the profound love of God, who entrusted His apostles with the mission of spreading faith and trust in the Lord. Fr Andrew inspired the faithful by affirming that miracles continue to occur in the world through unwavering belief in God. God’s call through baptism, emphasizing the mission within families as the foundation of evangelization. He highlighted Sister Celestine’s decade-long commitment to serving families, recognizing her as an instrument of God’s purpose.

 

The Permanur Youth Choir enhanced the celebration with their melodious hymns. During the service, Sister Celestine renewed her vows, and a documentary showcasing her life and mission was displayed. After the Mass, Dr Sr Mabel Clara Dmello B.S expressed gratitude on behalf of all present.

 

MLC, Mr. Ivan D’Souza, visited the shrine and extended his congratulations to the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, by honoring him with a shawl. In a reciprocal gesture of love and appreciation, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza presented Mr. Ivan with a shawl and a memento while Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Emeritus Bishop placed a garland on him. 

A formal felicitation followed at 6:15 p.m. with a prayer song. Sister Celestine, accompanied by the Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Emeritus Bishop, Vicar General Msgr Lawrence Maxim Noronha, and priests, lit a ceremonial candle. 

 

Bishop Aloysius Paul, in his address, reflected on the words of Saint John Paul II, emphasizing that Jesus calls each of us by name, just as He called Peter and John. He highlighted that this divine call comes with grace and acceptance, allowing us to collaborate in God’s mission. The Bishop urged everyone to be thankful to God for the dedicated service of Sr Celestine, who, over the past decade, has profoundly impacted and uplifted numerous families through her efforts. He presented her with a flower bouquet as a token of appreciation.

 

The Mass concluded with a heartfelt thanksgiving note delivered by Rev. Fr Andrew. The liturgy was led by Dr Sr Mabel Clara Dmello B.S, accompanied by a sincere note of gratitude from Sr. Celestine and her family, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the celebration.

 

Formal Function Honoring Sr. Celestine’s Decennial Jubilee:

The formal celebration began with a prayer song, setting a reflective and reverent tone. Sr. Celestine then lit a ceremonial candle, symbolizing her commitment and dedication. 

 

In his address, the Bishop remarked that, just as Jesus called Peter and John by name, He calls each of us to serve. He emphasized the grace and support provided by God, urging gratitude for these blessings. Highlighting Sr. Celestine’s impactful 10-year ministry, he acknowledged her role in uplifting numerous families and wished her continued success in her mission.

 

Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and guests, which included prominent figures like Msgr Maxim Noronha Rev Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza Rev. Fr Arul Betharram.  Rev. Fr Joseph VC , Sr. Leela,  Sr. Annette, and Vice President John D’Silva PPC . Heartfelt testimonies were shared by Rupert and Daphne, Mrs Rani and John and William and Maria, shedding light on Sr. Celestine’s profound influence.

 

A cake-cutting ceremony followed, marking the joyous occasion. V.C. Msgr Maxim Noronha acknowledged Sr. Celestine’s resilience and spiritual strength, commending her for building strong family foundations and proving herself a remarkable missionary. 

 

Family members presented Sr. Celestine with a sapling as a gesture of admiration and gratitude. Baba Nishan also offered a heartfelt congratulation to his aunt in his own endearing manner.

 

In her thanksgiving address, Sr. Celestine expressed her deep appreciation to all who had supported her ministry. As the Director of Morningstar, she viewed the celebration as an opportunity to bear witness to God’s work in her life, acknowledging Him as the source of her mission and strength. She extended her gratitude to the Bishop of Mangalore, clergy-Rev . Fr Andrew, Rev Fr William, rev Fr Peter, and dignitaries Rev. Fr Anil SVD, Rev Fr Jaya Prakash, Rev Fr Joseph VC, Rev Fr An Alvito OCD , Rev Fr Gratian Fr Alan OFM. Cap for their guidance and assistance, presenting tokens of love such as shawls and mementos.

 

Vicar General Msgr Lawrence Maxim Noronha praised all the religious individuals present and specifically lauded Sr. Celestine for her dedication to her mission. He emphasized her instrumental role in helping and uplifting families, calling her a true missionary and encouraging her to continue being a beacon of hope for others.

 

The Capuchin Brothers sang various hymns during the vocation event. 

 

The program   was compered by Dr Sr  Mabel Clara Dmello B.S and a vote of thanks  was also delivered by Sr Mabel. Rev. Fr Arul Betharram led the grace before the meal, bringing the event to a heartfelt and gracious end.