DEREBAIL PARISHIONERS EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO THE NEW PARISH PRIEST

DEREBAIL PARISHIONERS EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO THE NEW PARISH PRIEST

Derebail parishioners eagerly awaited the arrival and welcomed the new Parish Priest, V Rev Fr Joseph Martis who arrived at the parish at 4 pm on Monday 16 May 2022.  Accompanying him were V Rev Fr Ronald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph’s Seminary Jeppu and other priests from the Seminary, together with Fr Martis’ family members. 

Fr Austin Peter Peres, the outgoing Parish Priest, together with Fr Gerald Francis Pinto, Mrs Sheela D’Souza, Mr Gaulbert Pais and Mr Edward Coelho greeted Fr Martis as he arrived at the church premises.  Once inside the church, the Dean of St Peter’s City Deanery, V Rev Fr James D’Souza presided over the ceremony of investiture of the new Parish Priest.  This included the symbolic handing over of the stole and the Holy Bible, profession of faith, oath of fidelity, handing over of the church registers of parishioners, property and finances.  Also the keys of the tabernacle were handed over to the new Parish Priest by the presiding Dean.  In a final gesture, the new Parish Priest lighted a candle from the Paschal Candle and asked all the Parish Pastoral Council members to light their candles from his candle to symbolise the shared responsibility in managing the parish. With the recitation of ‘Our Father’ the ceremony concluded.

Following this, a small reception was held in the church to welcome the new Parish Priest. Together with Fr Joseph Martis and Fr Austin Peres were seated Fr James D’Souza, Fr Ronald Serrao and Parish Council Vice-President Mrs Sheela D’Souza and Secretary Mr Gaulbert Pais.  Fr Austin Peres Introduced Fr Joseph Martis to the parishioners and welcomed him as the new Parish Priest of the ever vibrant parish of Derebail and assured him that our Patron, the Most Holy Redeemer will always guide and strengthen him in his mission. Mrs Sheela D’Souza gave a brief history of the parish and assured Fr Martis unconditional support from the Parish Council and the parish community.  Fr James D’Souza welcomed Fr Martis to the City Deanery and assured him of his support. Fr Ronald Serrao expressed his gratitude to Fr Martis for many years of his service as a professor at the Seminary and wished his all the best in his first assignment as a Parish Priest.  

In his maiden talk with the parishioners after taking charge of the parish, Fr Joseph Martis expressed his happiness to take charge of this parish and requested for the parishioners support and understanding while he is in the process of taking over the administration of the parish. 

Gaulbert Pais rendered the vote of thanks.  Mr Edward Coelho compered the brief programme.  Light refreshments were served to all those who were present.

Report by: Gaulbert Pais
Pictures: Simon Pereira