Bendore parish priest celebrates 75th birthday

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore,Feb 1: The 75th birthday of Rev. Fr. Peter S. Noronha, the parish priest of St. Sebastian Church of Bendore, and the 50th anniversary of his religious life was celebrated on Jan 31, Monday. Six bishops from all over India, 150 priests from all over Karnataka, and 5,000 parishioners, friends, and well wishers participated in the event.

 

 

 

 

Fr. Noronha inaugurated the celebrations while the choir sang a felicitation song. Parish Pastoral Parishad Vice President Ronald F. Walder presented a citation to Fr. Noronha and Secretary Laveena S. John presented a garland of jasmine. Prof. Eric Patrao read out the blessings of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the bishop of Mangalore Diocese, honored Fr. Noronha with a shawl, the Papal blessing, and a bowl of fruits. Fr. Noronha later addressed the gathering.

Rev. Dr. Lawrence Mukkuzhy, the bishop of Belthagady, and Rev. Msgr. Victor D’Souza, the vicar general of the archdiocese of New Delhi, were the chief celebrants of the festive mass. Prof. Eric Patrao, the convener of the programme, J. R. Lobo, and Philomena Lobo welcomed the gathering. A choir of more than 100 singers and musicians sang the welcome song. A souvenir titled “Ek Kutam” was also released on the occasion.

An educational trust fund, which will function as a registered trust, was launched during the event. Meant to provide funds for the higher education of needy and deserving students of the parish, this fund will be managed exclusively by lay persons.

 
Fr. Noronha was the director of Fr. Muller Hospital for 10 years and is responsible for the establishment of the Fr. Muller College of Nursing and Fr. Muller Homeopathic College. He was also the parish priest of Udupi, Katipalla, and Bantwal parishes.