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Foundation Stone for New Presbytery Blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Leslie Clifford D'Souza

The faithful of Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, were deeply blessed and honoured by the friendly visit of Most Rev. Dr. Leslie Clifford D'Souza, Bishop of Udupi, on 14 June 2026.

The Bishop was warmly received at the church portico by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Fernandes, with a traditional garlanding ceremony. He was then greeted by the priests present and ceremonially escorted to the church by the First Holy Communion children and the faithful gathered for the occasion. A brief prayer service marked the beginning of this memorable visit.

The Bishop presided over the Holy Eucharist and delivered an inspiring homily centered on the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mother Mary. He reminded the faithful that the Heart of Jesus is the perfect symbol of God's infinite love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. He encouraged everyone to cultivate a heart that resembles the Heart of Christ—filled with kindness, humility, patience, and concern for others.

Speaking about the Immaculate Heart of Mother Mary, the Bishop highlighted Mary's total surrender to God's will, her unwavering faith, and her loving care for all God's children. He invited the faithful to entrust their families to the maternal protection of Mother Mary and to imitate her virtues of obedience, prayerfulness, and service.

The Bishop also fondly remembered the Servant of God Rev. Fr. Alfred Roche, describing him as a humble priest whose life reflected the very Heart of Jesus. He recalled Fr. Roche's simplicity, dedication, and deep love for God and people, encouraging the faithful to draw inspiration from his exemplary life and continue praying for his cause.

At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, the Bishop was felicitated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Fernandes, the Parish Pastoral Council Vice-President, Mr. Ravi Prakash Gonsalves, and the Convener of the Twenty Parish Commissions, Mrs. Gretta D'Souza. They expressed the gratitude and affection of the entire parish community for the Bishop's fatherly guidance and pastoral care.

A significant moment of the day was the Blessing and Laying of the Foundation Stone for the New Presbytery of Holy Family Church. This was the first foundation stone blessing performed by Bishop Leslie Clifford D'Souza after assuming his episcopal ministry in the Diocese of Udupi, making the occasion especially memorable for the parish.

In his address, the Bishop emphasized the importance of providing a suitable residence for priests who dedicate their lives to the service of God's people. He appealed to all parishioners to extend their wholehearted support, cooperation, and generosity in completing the new presbytery project. He reminded the faithful that caring for their priests is an important expression of gratitude for their spiritual service and ministry.

The Bishop expressed his appreciation for the active participation of the faithful, the prayerful atmosphere in the church, and the melodious singing of the choir, which added solemnity and beauty to the liturgical celebration. He commended the parish community for its vibrant faith and spirit of unity.

Following the ceremony, refreshments and cold drinks were served to all those present, providing an opportunity for fellowship and interaction among parishioners. The gathering concluded with a sense of joy, gratitude, and renewed enthusiasm as the faithful looked forward with hope and confidence to the construction of the new presbytery.

The visit of Bishop Leslie Clifford D'Souza will remain a cherished memory in the history of Holy Family Church, Brahmavar. His words of encouragement, pastoral presence, and blessings strengthened the faith of the people and inspired them to continue building a parish community rooted in prayer, unity, service, and love.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary continue to guide and bless our parish, our Bishop, our priests, and all the faithful.