Felicitations to Jubilarian Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo As he completes 75 years and Silver Jubilee of

By Prof. Archibald Furtado
Pics by Alphonse Mendonca
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 09 Feb 2025: It was divine providence as the Church Celebrate Jubilee 2025, with the theme Pilgrims of Hope and today 9th February, 2025, truly a festive look at the spacious Milagres Cathedral Ground at 5.50 pm as the bright sun going down in the Arabian sea, and here the glittering stage all set to welcome the host of distinguished guests for a rare and memorable evening of celebrations viz 75th Birthday of our Bishop and 25 years of Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo’s Episcopal Ordination, to unfold….

 

Melodious sound of music led by the native Brass band, attractive men and women wearing traditional attires and ornaments holding colourful umbrella, banners etc took part in the colourful procession to escort the guests to the ground with huge round of applause by the audience.

 

The welcome dance by the School Children, to the lyrics organised by Fr Alwyn Sequeira gave the perfect start to the hour long stage programme. 

 

A short 10 to 15 minutes documentary was presented based on the life and living of Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo gave a glimpse of his early childhood days in Agrar where he was born on 12th November, 1949, formal education and joining the Jeppu Seminary, formation years, Priestly ordination and his service as young priest in Urva, Shirva and Parish priest of Badyar Church. As Episcopal Vicar of Kasargod and most significantly as the Director of CODP for 8 years – his passionate concern for poor and needy. As he was handpicked to be the young Bishop of Mission Diocese of Shimogga, and the transition he was successful to bring over there was shown effectively in a nutshell. 

 

It was the erection of new Udupi Diocese on 12th October, 2012 and the responsibilities as its first and founder Bishop with many challenges and expectations – the success story of 13 great years, the priorities he set for the religious and spiritual awakening, material wellbeing and focus on families – children, youth and women empowerment. The silent revolution through the formation of 18, now 20 Commissions for laity involvement and participation at the micro parish level started yielding anticipated results was highlighted and deservedly acknowledged by the Church in India. He has worked tirelessly for all the welfare of all sections of society –men, women youth and children on the one hand religious and retired priests on the other…..Some vision for Jubilee 2025, house for the poor, Education and Medical Fund…and so on so forth.

As the attentive huge gathering was mesmerized to revolve their memories through the screening of this wonderful documentary, it was time for the invite the guests, Nuncio and Bishops and dignitaries to the well decorated dais with a traditional touch of warmth and love.

 

In his cordial welcome speech Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves respectfully recalled Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo’s kind and accommodative qualities…… Meanwhile, welcoming all the Bishops present the Jubilarian garlanded and honoured them for their gracious presence...

 

It was time to cut the Jubilee Cake by the celebrant with host of guests as the Diocesan choir comprising more than 50 members picked from most of the parishes, sung the Happy Birthday and the especially composed again by Uzwaad Editor Fr Alwyn Sequeira – ‘Naman Tumka Govllya, Ullas tumcha Bhaghi deesak…’ to greet the Bishop on his twin Jubilee celebration.

 

All gathered were served with Cake and soft drinks, immediately after the Holy Mass, as the ICYM and YCS youth of the varado arranged to serve it systematically, while the choir was singing a beautiful hymn ‘ to kiten sangta te tumi kara..’. It was a great moment as the Bishop was invited to occupy a special seat of honour and the guests and representatives of the Diocese led by Vicar General, Chancellor, religious and laity dignitaries - draped him with traditional shawl, garland, fruit basket, memento and a well prepared citation etc with the brass band sound of thunderous claps and whistles echoed and reaching the heavens…!!

As the Chief Guest of the glittering historical event His Excellency Most Rev Dr Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio, Papal Ambassador to India arrived to Kallianpur Cathedral for the first time, was deservedly felicitated on this special occasion.

 

In continuation of his message Papal Nuncio informed that he was very eager to visit Udupi and it was truly momentous time to listen to his address to the 75 Birthday of our beloved Bishop and his contribution to the Church and Society. It was a proud moment too, as Udupi Diocese successful Pastoral Mission has been chosen by the Catholic Church in India to implement in days / years to come.

 

His Grace Most Rev Dr Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore archdiocese in his beautiful felicitation address to the Jubilarian Bishop Gerald Lobo, recalled the great virtues and simple life philosophy as he lived a life of values and principles he preached throughout in spite of trials and tribulations keeping unconditional faith in Jesus Christ.

 

It was the most waited moment to the congregation to listen to our Bishop. Normally his speeches were short and to the point and curious faithful were given the credit for whatever a little he has done and he is just an instrument in God’s hands. Further he acknowledged with humility, whatever within his limits he has done and the impossible God handled…………….He shared the special blessings from the Patroness of the Diocese Mother Milagres in abundance.

 

Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Council Mr Leslie Aroza proposed vote of thanks to all gathered for making the whole celebrations a great, grand success.

Rev Fr Denis DSa, parish priest of Thottam Church, was there to guide the smooth flow of well organised event and fill the missing links with his usual wit and humour, deserve a mention and appreciation.

 

Team Mr Preetesh DSa from Moodubelle and Ms Jenisha Jarnish, Kemmannu, presented the programme beautifully to be attractive and enjoyable one.

 

All Diocesan Associations, Educational Institutions, social organisations greeted the Bishop with bouquets and garlands on this unique occasion.

 

As the day was truly rejoicing and thanking Almighty Lord for the gift of Bishop Gerald, the large gathering had the contentment of being the witness of a celebration of a lifetime with their Bishop, Apostolic Nuncio and as many as 19 Bishops participating in the event along with hundreds of priests, religious and faithful.

 

The organisers made elaborate arrangements to distribute meal box to all and it was a meticulous execution of well set programme with YCS & ICYM Volunteers about 250 of them and Parishioners of the nearby churches like Milagres and Mount Rosary, organisations such as Catholic Sabha to monitor traffic and parking and Stree Sanghatan members involving enthusiastically to make it truly unique and special.