The inauguration to celebrate
the Year For Priests which Pope Benedict XVI has declared to be from 19
June 2009 was aptly programmed by the Ambassadors For Jesus under direction of
their founder Melvyn Brown. The venue was at Christ the King Catholic Church, Calcutta
and the
celebration began in the evening after Adoration in the church.
The
Ambassadors For Jesus has always prided itself on being supportive of Roman
Catholic priests and their ministry. This was put into real focus when Fr.
Robin Gomes, sdb. Stated the fact straightforwardly in his speech, chipping
away with gratitude at Melvyn Brown’s dedication to his apostolate of Catholic
Unity and fellowship with
priests.
Archbishop of Calcutta
,Lucas Sirkar,sdb graced the
occasion making it an enormous blessing for the AFJ and those present in the
auditorium.
Several congregations were
present and witnessed the opening of the Jubilee year.
Three choirs of the Archdiocese gave
their best performances : in Hindi (St. Thomas’ ), English ( St. Mary’s ) and
Bengali ( Lord Jesus Church). The Power-point presentation had to be cancelled
because of time running out.
Seven priests received Awards, each
award was named after a Bishop , Cardinal , or priest whose memory was thus
kept alive. This was the new angle to Melvyn Brown’s awards which
he initiates down the
passage of the years.
Rev.Fr.Michael
Bhaju,Vicar-General
,received the Cardinal Lawrence Picachy,sj Memorial Award.
Fr.
P.. C. Mathew ,sj. received the
Fr.Terence Lewis,sj. Memorial Award
Fr.
Robin Gomes, sdb. Received the Fr.
Attilio Colussi, sdb Memorial Award
Fr.
C..M.Paul,sdb . received the Fr.
Horace Rozario, sj. Memorial Award
Fr.
Felix Raj, sj. received the Bishop
Paul Goethals, sj Memorial Award
Fr.
Elias D’Mello received the Bishop
Vivian Dyer Memorial Award
Archbishop
Henry D’Souza received the
Bishop Albert D’Souza Memorial Award.
His Grace,Archbishop Lucas Sirkar,sdb
said a few words, blessed the gathering and brought the opening celebration to
an end.
Lady Susan Mantosh ( as Melvyn has
called her , because of her devotion and service to Holy Mother the Church )
was responsible for the dinner, which everyone
enjoyed.
-Melvyn Brown
3 Elliott Road
Kolkata-700 016
West Bengal
India
*Phone: 91-33-2217-1542
*Mobile:
98301 92553
* Email: melvynbrown_in@yahoo.co.uk
*Web site: http://maxpages.com/theangloindian/
http://www.squidoo.com/melvynbrown/