Parishioners Accompany and Witness Rev.Fr.Austin Take Charge as the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church Surathkal

Parishioners Accompany and Witness Rev.Fr Austin Take Charge as the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church Surathkal

The parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail assembled at the church premises on 17 May, 2022, to bid good-bye to their Parish Priest Rev.Fr Austin Peter Peres who would be taking charge as the Parish priest at Sacred Heart Church, Surathkal.
Rev.Dr Joseph Martis led a short prayer service after which Rev.Fr Austin Peres blessed the people of Derebail Parish.

The parishioners then accompanied Fr  Austin to his new parish. On reaching Sacred Heart Church, Surathkal, Rev.Fr Paul Pinto former Parish Priest Surathkal along with the Vice President and Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Committee extended Fr. Austin a warm welcome.

The Vice President of Sacred Heart Church Surathkal formally welcomed the dignitaries, Rev. Fr Austin Peres, Rev.Fr Joachim Fernandes, Rev. Dr Joseph Martis, Rev.Fr Paul Pinto, Rev.Fr Gerald Pinto and others.

Rev.Fr Joachim Fernandes, as a representative of the Bishop presided over the investiture ceremony of the new parish priest. This ceremony included 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.

Fr Austin while addressing his new parish members thanked all present for showing their love with their presence. He assured the Parishioners of Surathkal parish that he would get to know and talk to them over six years of his service in Surathkal. He also wholeheartedly thanked his former Parishioners for accompanying him to Surathkal and his new parishioners for their warm welcome

The Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council rendered the vote of thanks. Refreshments were then served. 

The parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer Church greeted Fr Austin and wished him the best in the years ahead. The entire farewell ceremony was indeed an emotional one.

Pictures: Simon Pereira