The Jubilee Eucharist was presided over by Father Joaquim D’Souza, who recounted how he had felt the Lord lead and guide him in his Salesian journey. The well-animated Eucharist was a fitting thanksgiving to the Jubilarians’ many years of faithful dedication to the service of the young.

The eldest jubilarian, Father Joaquim D’Souza, celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of his Religious Profession. A natural leader, he has served not just the Province (INB) as Vice Provincial and Provincial but also the congregation as the Regional Councillor for South Asia. With a passion for Philosophy and being a Thomistic scholar himself, Father D’Souza has dedicated many years to studying and teaching philosophy.

Father Elson Barretto and Father Diego Nunes celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their Religious Profession. Father Barretto has worked with the poorest and marginalised in Gujarat, MP and Rajasthan. Also, he has served as the Economer of INB for nine years. Fr Nunes has been an educator and pastor. Currently, he animates the Salesian Family in INB.

Father Bosco D’Mello, Father Francis Fernandes, Father Robert Pen, and Father Rosario Vaz celebrated the Silver Jubilee of their Priestly Ordination. They have contributed immensely to education, formation, and social work. Moreover, they have been effective ministers of the sacraments in the parishes of INB.

Father Ajit Munis, Father Bastin Thomas, Father Charles Anthony, and Father Roy Noronha are the youngest jubilarians celebrating the Silver Jubilee of their Religious Profession. Dedicated to the work entrusted to them, they are loved by the young for their simplicity, humility, and willingness to work with them.

During the felicitation programme, the Provincial of INB Father Savio Silveira remarked: “On a day like this, we do not celebrate numbers - 60, 50, or 25. Rather, we celebrate persons, we celebrate years of service to the Lord, we celebrate memories created by them, and we celebrate the lives they have touched.”