By Nirmala Carvalho
Mumbai, Dec. 22, 2019: Mumbai’s famous Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount on December 21 witnessed a unique celebration: four priests of Bombay archdiocese celebrated 258 years of their combined priesthood.
While Monsignor Nereus Rodrigues and Father Philip Lobo celebrated 70th anniversary of their ordination, Rodrigues’ brother Hilary completed 65 years and Father Michael Goveas, vice rector of the basilica, completed 53 years of priestly life.
“It’s a moment of gratitude and rejoicing for the over 200 years of combined years of priestly service we are celebrating today,” Monsignor Nereus said while concelebrating Mass with Bishop John Rodrigues, an auxiliary bishop of Bombay and rector of the basilica.
The prelate reminded the gathering that it was God who gives true joy and that Elizabeth experienced at her encounter with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Making a comparison between the Mary-Elizabeth encounter and priesthood, Bishop Rodrigues said the he priestly ministry is a call to bring people to encounter Jesus and understand his ways – to encounter the Lord in the celebration of the sacraments, to encounter the Lord in the service of others.
The prelate thanked God for the Gift of the priesthood and the opportunity to serve people as a priest. He also thanked Monsignor Nereus for his outstanding contribution in the field of education to the Archdiocese of Bombay and for his immense contribution in the health apostolate.
In the final blessing, Monsignor Nereus thanked the Trinity for accepting him to be a priest. “I use the word accepted instead of the word ‘called’, as I felt I was unworthy to have a vocation, but the Holy Trinity accepted me, and kept me as a priest for the 70 years, this was possible because God has kept me in His Grace and Mother Mary has been my protector,” he added.
He also said Mother Mary has kept me in her protective care especially when he served the basilica for 23 years, 21 years as its rector.
God gifted me with many opportunities to serve His Church and people, and I tried to respond faithfully to the work entrusted to me. I did whatever I could. I am an unworthy servant, I have only done my duty,” the 96-year-old priest added.