Moodubelle: Newly Ordained Fr. Maxim D’Souza S.J. offers First Thanksgiving Mass in St. Lawrence Chu
By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi/M’Belle, 13 October 2024: Fr. Maxim D’Souza S.J. from Moodubelle parish who was ordained a priest along with three other Jesuit Deacons by the Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha on Saturday, 12 October 2024 at the Divine Mercy Church, Fatima Retreat House, Mangalore, offered his first thanksgiving Mass at his native parish, St. Lawrence Church along with his family, relatives, friends, well-wishers as well as parishioners on Sunday, 13 October 2024 at 11.30 am. The first thanksgiving Mass was followed by reception in the Parish Hall soon after the Mass.
Fr. Maxim D’Souza S.J. Concelebrated the first thanksgiving Mass along with other 14 priests including Fr. George D’Souza-Parish Priest of Moodubelle, Fr. Charles Menezes-Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi and Dean of Udupi Deanery, Fr. Joswey Fernandes-former Parish Priest of Moodubelle and presently Parish Priest of Yermal, Fr. Raymond D’Souza- close relative of Fr. Maxim, Fr. Prashant D’Souza S.J.-Representative of Jesuit Provincial of Karnataka and other priests.
In his homily, Fr. Charles Menezes highlighted the life and mission of a priest in light of the scripture readings of the day. He said that a priest is chosen by God from amongst the people to serve them. A priest should seek the gift of wisdom from God and use it to the benefit of the people. A priest should not only spread the Word of God, but also live the Word of God. He wished Fr. Maxim D’Souza a fruitful and fulfilling priestly mission.
Following the Thanksgiving Mass, people assembled in the Parish Hall for felicitation programme. Besides Fr. Maxim D’Souza, his parents Manuel and Helen D’Souza, Fr. George D’Souza, Fr. Peter D’Souza-Parish Priest of Agrar-Bantwal, Fr. Raymond D’Souza and Fr. Prashant D’Souza were on the dais.
Steven D’Souza, cousin of Fr. Maxim welcomed the gathering in a traditional manner by raising pot with water and beetle leaves and areca nut plate.
The felicitation programme commenced with the cutting of the cake by Fr. Maxim D’Souza and parents offering the pieces of cake to their beloved priest son and return Fr. Maxim reciprocating by offering pieces of cake to his parents. Meanwhile, the choir sang a felicitation song.
Fr. Peter D’Souza, Parish Priest of Agrar-Bantwal where Fr. Maxim had served as Regent, spoke highly about the newly ordained priest. He said that he found Fr. Maxim to be a man of discipline, deep thinking, good in preaching sermons with deep voice and clear speech and a man of many talents. In his parish, Fr. Maxim became quite popular among the parishioners, especially the youth whom he organized in fruitful manner. Fr. Peter D’Souza wished Fr. Maxim success in his future missionary endeavours.
Fr. Maxim honoured Fr. Peter D’Souza by offering him shawl, garland and memento.
Raising the toast in honour of Fr. Maxim D’Souza, Fr. Prashant D’Souza, representative of Karnataka Jesuit Provincial briefly introduced the family of Fr. Maxim and thanked his parents for offering their son to serve the Jesuit Province of Karnataka. He highlighted the finer qualities of Fr. Maxim and welcomed him in the fold of Jesuits as a priest.
Following the toast, on behalf of the Karnataka Jesuit Province, Fr. Prashant D’Souza honoured Fr. Maxim D’Souza.
Fr. Maxim was honoured by his parents and brother and sister-in-law.
Fr. George D’Souza in his message said that the Moodubelle parish has presented two Jesuit priests to the Karnataka Jesuit Province in two years-2023 and 2024. Last year Fr. Leston Lobo S.J. was ordained and had offered his first thanksgiving Mass. On behalf of the parish, he along with the Vice President of the PPC Pritish D’Sa, Secretary-Charles Quadros and Convener of 20 Commissions-Mrs.Gracy Rebello felicitated Fr. Maxim D’Souza.
In his thanksgiving oration Fr. Maxim D’Souza thanked Almighty God for his vocation and his parents, family members, Godparents, relatives and priests and nuns who has inspired him to join the priesthood. As he recalled the contribution of each and every one towards his upbringing, education and vocation, he respectively honoured them.
The entire programme was compered by Fr. Leston Lobo S.J.
About Fr. Maxim D’Souza S.J.
Fr. Maxim D’Souza S.J. born on 20 June 1993 is the second son of Manuel and Helen D’Souza belonging to Podikambla Ward of St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle. He had his primary, higher primary and secondary education in St. Lawrence Educational Institutions, Moodubelle. He completed PUC education in St. Aloysius College, Mangalore in 2011. He continued degree college education while he was undergoing priestly training in the Society of Jesus from C.S.I College/ Karnataka University, Dharwad and acquired B.Com degree in 2017.
Having joined the Society of Jesus congregation in 2011, Fr. Maxim D’Souza underwent Novitiate training at Mount St Joseph, Bengaluru from 2011-2013 and took first vows in 2013. He went on completing his priestly training through different stages-Juniorate at Trivendrum (2013-2014); Philosophy at Satyanilayam, Chennai where he acquired BPh., & MA Philosophy (2028-2020); Regency at Manvi (2017 – 2018) and St Joseph’s School and Boarding, Hassan (2020-2021); Theology at JFCT, Anekal (2021-2023) and at Vidyajyoti (2023-2024); Diaconate Ministry at Holy Saviour Church, Agrar, Mangaluru Diocese (2024); Ordination at Divine Mercy Church, Fatima Retreat House, Mangalore on 12 October 2024.
Regarding his inspiration to join the congregation of Society of Jesus, Fr. Maxim D’Souza said that Jesuits’ missionary work and their commitment to their work inspired him to be a Jesuit. He always took inspiration from St Ignatius of Loyola. His spirit of a knight and his surrendering totally to the will of God had also molded him.
The persons who inspired Fr. Maxim D’Souza to be a Priest were the Parish Priests whom he met in his childhood. From childhood he had a great desire to be a priest. But was not sure which direction to take. During his high school days, he came in contact with many religious priests and was confused about choosing the path he had to follow. He was always inspired by St Lawrence, the Patron Saint of the parish. As he came to know more and more about the Jesuits, he eventually chose to join the Society of Jesus.