St. Joseph’s Church, Bajpe, joyfully welcomed its new Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Dsouza, in a solemn and spiritually enriching ceremony held on May 21, 2025, following the 4:00 PM arrival of Fr. Andrew along with members of the Bajal Parish Pastoral Council.
The welcoming began at the church entrance, where Fr. Andrew was formally received. A reverent procession led the clergy and council members into the church, setting the tone for the ceremonial installation. During the rite, Rev. Dr Ronald Cutinha, the outgoing Parish Priest, handed over the Stole to Fr. Andrew, symbolizing the transfer of pastoral responsibility. This was followed by the presentation of the Holy Gospel, from which Fr. Andrew read a verse, affirming his commitment to the Word of God.
In accordance with diocesan tradition, Fr. Andrew professed his faith before Fr. Francis Rodrigues, the Bishop’s representative. He then took the Juramentum, an oath of unwavering service to the parish, with his hand placed on the Holy Gospel. Rev. Dr Ronald Cutinha also handed over the parishioner records, while Mr. Stany Dsouza, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, presented the Church Accounts File.
A symbolic and moving moment followed when Fr. Francis Rodrigues entrusted the keys to the Blessed Sacrament to Fr. Andrew. Lighting the candles beside the Sacrament, Fr. Andrew passed the flame to each member of the Parish Pastoral Council, representing the light of Christ and the shared commitment to serve the Church. This act beautifully emphasized the collective responsibility of both clergy and laity in nurturing the parish.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer and a hymn of praise to the Almighty.
A brief introductory program followed the installation. Mr. Stany Dsouza welcomed the gathering and assured Fr. Andrew of the parishioners’ full support. Rev. Dr Ronald Cutinha and Fr. Francis Rodrigues also spoke, extending their warm wishes and blessings to the new Parish Priest.
In his address, Fr. Andrew expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bajal parishioners and the Daivik Amrith team for their presence and support. He humbly sought the cooperation of the Bajpe congregation as he begins his pastoral journey in the parish.
The event concluded with parishioners coming forward to receive blessings from Fr. Andrew, followed by refreshments served to all attendees.
In a separate welcoming ceremony held on May 16, 2025, the parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church, Bajpe, gathered to extend a warm welcome to Fr. Jesudas Dcosta, who has taken charge as the new Chaplain of the St. John Paul II Shrine, Bajpe.
The ceremony was marked by joy and reverence as the faithful came together to greet Fr. Jesudas Dcosta and offer their prayers and support as he begins his new pastoral mission.
