MANGALURU, MAY 4: St Anthony’s Charitable Institutes, Jeppu, Mangaluru, observed its annual Thanksgiving Day with great devotion and gratitude on Sunday, May 4, 2024, at St Anthony’s Chapel, Jeppu.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Mangalore. Celebrating with him were Fr J. B. Crasta, Director of the Institutes, Fr Gilbert D’Souza, Chaplain of the Ashram, and Fr Anil Fernandes, Director of Canara Communication Centre.

Following the Mass, a felicitation programme was held at Sambhram Hall where Bishop D’Souza honoured and felicitated the benefactors, donors, and well-wishers whose generous support sustains the mission and outreach of the Institute.

During the event, meritorious student residents of the Ashram were also felicitated for their academic achievements. Ms Ishal Birdia Crasta, who secured second rank in BCom (ACCA) at Srinivas University; Ms Vinitha Sweedal Crasta, who earned second rank in BSc Nursing at A.J. Hospital (affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences); and Ms Manisha Goretti Pinto, who excelled in nursing studies, were recognised and lauded.

Expressing her gratitude, Ms Ishal Birdia Crasta said, “The Ashram life gave me the foundation to shape my life. The unique experience here, guided by the directors and superiors and the intercession of St Anthony of Padua, helped me excel in my studies and career. I am deeply grateful to St Anthony Ashram.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Ms Vinitha Sweedal Crasta shared, “The seven years of student life at St Anthony Ashram was a blessing. The formation I received here, both academically and spiritually, shaped who I am today. It instilled discipline, compassion, and the importance of prayer in me.”

In his presidential address, Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza remarked, “St Anthony Ashram is a mission of love and care for the little ones of Jesus. It is a mission of infusing hope into the lives of the helpless and hopeless. Today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we thank the Lord for the generosity shown towards this institute. Those who contribute willingly and generously to this mission will surely find their reward, and God will bless them abundantly.”

Fr J. B. Crasta welcomed the gathering, while Fr Nelson Peria proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Gilbert D’Souza, Chaplain of the Ashram, narrated the history, growth, and daily activities of St Anthony’s Charitable Institutes. Felicitation words to students were delivered by Fr Nelson Olivera.

The programme was graced by many benefactors, donors, well-wishers, students, their parents, and Ashram staff. Prominent among them were Mr Marcel Monteiro and Mr John D’Silva, trustees of the Ashram; Mr M. P. Noronha, Advocate; Mr Roy Castelino, PRO of the Diocese of Mangalore; and Fr Anil Fernandes, Director of Canara Communication Centre.

The students presented a brief cultural programme to mark the occasion.

MANGALORE, APRIL 10, 2025: In a spirit of Unum Presbyterium and shared pastoral responsibility, over 225 priests—both diocesan and religious—serving in various parishes and institutions of the Diocese of Mangalore gathered for the annual Pastoral Consultation held on April 9 and 10 at St Antony’s Charity Institutes, Jeppu. This two-day gathering served as a significant moment of communion and collaboration among the clergy, offering an opportunity to deliberate on important pastoral concerns impacting the faithful of the diocese.

Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, who presided over the event, set the tone for the consultation by emphasising the importance of unity in mission. In his inaugural address, he said, “This gathering is a celebration of coming together of priests who have a shared mission of the Church. It is a day to meet and greet every priest of the diocese, share experiences, and address pastoral challenges. This consultation will guide all of us to collaborate and participate within the diocese for a more fruitful ministry.” The consultation centred around the theme ‘Pastoral Issues’, with each session focusing on specific areas of concern raised by the various deaneries of the diocese.

The first day commenced with prayer led by Fr Walter D’Mello from Beltangady Deanery, followed by a warm welcome from the Bishop. The sessions began with reflections and discussions on the Family Apostolate, animated by Fr Victor D’Mello, Fr Alwyn D’Souza and Fr Santhosh Rodrigues. This was followed by a session on Children and Adult Catechesis, led by Fr Vijay Machado and Fr Harry D’Souza. After a brief midday prayer by Fr Maxim D’Souza and a fellowship lunch, the afternoon session dealt with Youth Ministry and the Small Christian Community Apostolate, guided by Fr Ashwin Cardoza and Fr Sunil George Dsouza. The day was filled with enriching interactions, insightful inputs, and shared concerns that resonate across the diocese.

The second day began with prayer by Fr Anil Lobo from the John Paul Shrine, followed by sessions on property and finance matters led by Fr Maxim Rosario and Fr Jagadish Pinto. These sessions addressed practical challenges in administration and the stewardship of resources. A session on other pressing pastoral issues was animated by Msgr Maxim Noronha, the Vicar General of the diocese. Following the discussions, two important general body meetings—of the Parish Union and the Priest Aid Fund (PAF)—were held under the leadership of the Bishop, providing updates and decisions related to the welfare of parishes and priests.

The event also included moments of celebration and recognition. Senior priest Rev. Fr Andrew Lewis was felicitated on his Golden Jubilee of priestly ordination, while Fr Michael Santhumayor was honoured on the occasion of his 60th birthday. The Bishop and other dignitaries offered their gratitude and appreciation for their years of dedicated service to the Church.

A book of spiritual reflections authored by Fr Basil Vas, parish priest of Vorkady, and published by Mangala Jyothi was released during the consultation.

The entire programme was coordinated by Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Secretary of the Council of Priests, with documentation of the proceedings carried out by Fr Kenneth Crasta, Fr Vishal Monis, and Fr Jason Monis. Local arrangements and hospitality were overseen by Rev. Fr J.B. Crasta, Director of St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu. The 2025 Pastoral Consultation proved to be a meaningful occasion for reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the pastoral mission entrusted to the clergy of the Diocese of Mangalore.

Fr Vivian Nishanth Rodrigues k took charge of their post on 15th May 2025 . Fr JB Crasta Director, Fr Avinash Lesly Pais and Fr Nelson Peris assistant directors welcomed the new assistant director. Programme begin with prayer and Fr Jb Crasta briefed about the Ashram. The programme concluded with refreshment served.