Father Felix Fernandes appointed New Provincial for the Province of Panjim By Father Lobo JoaquimFather Felix Fernandes signing the document after accepting to be the provincial of the Salesian Province of Panjim in the presence of Father Ivo Coelho and Father Maria Arokiam Kanaga. View actual size | Download Photo
Panjim, Aug. 5. Fatehr Felix Fernandes, sdb was installed as the third Provincial of the Salesian Province of Panjim on August 1, 2016 at the Don Bosco Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Panjim in the presence of Father Ivo Coelho, General Councillor for Formation and Father Maria Arokiam Kanaga, Regional Superior for South Asia during the Holy Eucharist at 6 pm.
Father Coelho was on his home visit and was delighted to be present to witness the event. He was the main celebrant who situated this religious ceremony around Jesus and invited everyone to make Him their centre.
Father Arokiam while breaking the word of God to the people called upon everyone present especially the laity to be the mystics, prophets and servants in the world.
Father Felix after reiterating his belief in the Triune God signed the document accepting the responsibility to be the leader of the province. He thanked his parents for offering him strong faith in Jesus. He thanked Father Ian Figueiredo for the years of service as his predecessor.
Father Ian while recognizing the contribution of the benefactors in the work of the province commended them for their continued support and encouragement. He shared in brief the growth of the province in all the sectors as he thanked his team of council members - Fathers Paul D'Souza (Vice Provincial), Allwyn D'Souza (Economer), Savio Gomes, Bernardino Almeida and Maxim D'Souza.
Father Ian and Father Felix were solemnly welcomed for the felicitation program to the thunderous applause and the music of past pupils of Don Bosco, Orlando and his band. The whole program was well knit around the celebration of God's blessings. Students of Don Bosco Panjim and the upcoming kathak and western dancers and singers performed on the stage. They were also joined by the Pre-Novices of the provinces of Mumbai and Panjim.
The whole Salesian Family, well-wishers and benefactors joyously took part in the celebration of the Eucharist and the felicitation program. Along with the families of Father Ian and Father Felix, present were the provincials of Mumbai and Hyderabad provinces - Father Godfrey D'Souza and Father Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy.
The province through their representatives - Father Dominic Savio Fernandes, Brother Anthony Rocha, Father Simao Fernandes and Father Joe Fernandes - thanked the outgoing provincial and welcomed the incoming provincial. Father Joel D'Souza compered the event.